Is There a Proven Nail Fungus Cure

By: Lisa Bower

Thanks to medical breakthroughs, there are many nail fungus cures available in today’s day and age. Nail disorders like fungus are nothing to laugh about: not only is the fungus painful and embarrassing, but it can spread to other toes and your feet. No matter if this is the first time you have ever had a fungal infection or if this is a recurring issue, there is a surefire nail fungus cure for you and your situation. The following are some of the most commonly prescribed nail fungus cures.

Oral medications may be the first treatment a doctor prescribes to her patient. The three most popular prescription-strength oral antifungal medications used are fluconazole, itraconazole and terbinafine. Such medications help the nail grow so that the new, healthy nail replaces old and infected sections. This process may take as much as a few months because nails grow so slowly, but antifungal drugs have been proven to work.

Another treatment proven to work is antifungal lacquer. This remedy is for folks who have a mild or moderate case of nail fungus. The most common antifungal nail polish prescribed is ciclopirox. All a person has to do is paint the infected nails with the lacquer once a day for seven days. On the seventh day, you remove the existing lacquer with alcohol and begin the cycle anew.

If you are looking for a home remedy or natural cure for nail fungus, then you should consider using vinegar. This item has been shown to slow or stop the growth of the offending fungus. All you have to do is apply a few drops of the stuff on the nail for as long as you have the infection. Similarly, many point to tea tree oil as a great natural antifungal agent. To use tea tree oil, combine it with olive oil and then apply it to the infected nail.

Preventing Brittle Nails

By: Teresa Hall

The exposure to such chemicals can cause our nails to become dry, resulting in brittle nails that crack, peel, break and spilt. We spend a lot of our daily lives exposing our nails to harsh chemicals, whether through the nail procedures we have performed upon our hands at the salon or the chemicals we use to clean our homes.

The most common reason our nails become brittle, other than chemical exposure, is an excessive exposure to water. If this isn’t a reason to justify a dishwasher, nothing it! Water will soften the nail and break down the fibers, which in turn makes them more susceptible to breaking, tearing or peeling.

Obviously we cannot go without putting our hands in water, but we can take precautions to keep our nails healthy. One quick tip that doesn’t involve much effort is to wear gloves while washing the dishes. This not only protects the nails, it protects the skin on our hands, which tend to show signs of aging faster than any other part of the body.

Here are a few more ways to protect your nails from drying out and becoming brittle:
•Only use fingernail polish remover that is acetone free and contains conditioners. Many brands now carry acetone-free removers that already contain moisturizers. This is a plus for us!
•Try not to use polish remover-even acetone-free remover-more than once a week.
•Avoid placing your hands in water for prolonged periods of time, especially if the water is very hot.
•Moisturize your nails as soon as you get out of the shower and be sure to rub the lotion into the nail beds. Use cuticle cream as well.
•Never, ever use a metal nail file. Metal files tend to rip the nails, where glass and emery boards gently file the nail with out tearing them.

There are medical reasons why a person’s nails can become brittle. Women who have low amounts of estrogen in their bodies tend to suffer more. Lack of estrogen causes dry, brittle hair and dry skin, which affects the nails. Nails can dry out just like our skin and hair can; most people aren’t aware of this fact.

Nutrition also plays a huge part in how our nails grow. Just like the body reacts to junk food, the nails can react as well. Many doctors believe that disease can be detected on the nails by certain spots or colorations of the actual nail. Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals will nourish not only your body, but your nails as well.

Why Do Nails Turn Yellow

By: Edd Staton

Americans spend billions of dollars each year on their nails, both for products and services. With that much money changing hands, it is apparent that attractive nails are considered an important part of our hygiene and appearance.

Nail anatomy

The nails on our fingers and toes protect us when we’re walking or grasping objects. They are thickly packed epidermis cells, the same ones that make up our skin. But since they are dead cells that are filled with a protein called keratin, we feel no pain when they are trimmed. It takes a full six months for each nail to grow in completely, although men’s nails grow more quickly than women’s. Since they are made up of epidermis cells, nails need oxygen to stay healthy, and therein lies one of the main reason that nails can turn yellow.

The problem with polish

When your nails are always covered with polish, they can become yellow from lack of exposure to oxygen. A bigger potential problem is your choice of color. Because nails absorb not only oxygen but also liquid, the pigment from your nail polish can cause staining.

Shades of red are by far the most popular nail polish color. Many manufacturers use iron oxide to produce the shades of red in their polish. Perhaps you have noticed stains in the porcelain sink of an old house that is plumbed with iron pipes. This is due to rust in the water running through those old pipes that is absorbed by the porcelain material. The same thing might happen with your nails. The keratin can absorb the iron oxide from your polish and cause discoloration. The deeper the shade of red, the greater the possibility of staining.

Formaldehyde is a common ingredient in nail polish of all colors. Sometimes this chemical can react with the keratin in your nails to produce yellowing.

Will a base coat help?

The main reason for using a clear base coat on your nails is to create a perfectly smooth surface before applying the polish. However, if this first coat is applied thickly enough it can serve as protection against absorption of pigment.

What about nail polish remover?

The solvent in nail polish remover can damage the skin around your nails but will not by itself cause nails to yellow. Your best practice is to frequently change cotton balls while using polish remover.

Medical reasons for yellowing nails

Although medical problems are not the most common causes of yellow nails, there are several underlying medical issues that may be the culprit. A nail fungal infection will cause discoloration, and over time the nail thickens and even has an unpleasant odor. Both oral and topical medications can eliminate this problem, but it takes months for the nail to look normal again. Smoking, psoriasis, diabetes, peripheral edema and nutritional deficiencies are other potential medical reasons for yellowing nails.

Bottom line

If you are in good health, yellowing nails will likely be caused by your nail polish. Consider switching to a lighter shade, use a base coat and remove your polish regularly.