Hangnails

These are small pieces of epidermis which have split away from the cuticle and nail walls. sometimes they catch and tear the skin, providing a route for bacteria. They are common in nail bitters and can also occur as a result of dry cuticles. Use cuticle oil or cream daily to help prevent them.

 Dry, flaking nails:

Fat and moisture keep the nails flexible and the layers of cells compacted into a smooth plate. They can be removed easily if the hands are not looked after. Flaking nails and chapped skin are usually caused by poor protection, exposure to harsh weather, contact with chemicals and poor diet. Salon treatments and the daily use of hand creams are a good way of softening the cuticles and skin.

 Split Nails:

split nails are usually brittle nails. The most common causes are excessive use of solvents and detergents, careless filing, poor diet and ill health. Regular manicures and a good home care routine are important for prevention.

Pitted Nails:

A few pits or dimples are common in nails, deep pitting on the nails may be caused by psoriasis- in which case it is usually accompanied  by a skin condition.

 Longitudinal Ridges:

Ridges that appear down the length of the nail are often caused by the ageing process. They result from irregular keratin production and can also appear as a result of minor external injury. As the nails grow, healthy cells replace the damaged ones and the problem disappears.

Discoloured Nails:

Some nail varnishes can cause the nails to discolour especially if worn without a basecoat. You may see brown stains on the nails and skin if you are a smoker. These are harmless and may be removed using a very mild bleaching agent.

White Spot:

white spots usually occur as a result of minor injury when air becomes trapped between the layers of cells. They are harmless and disappear as the nail grows out.

Spoon Shaped Nails:

Some people are born with this condition, but for others it can be a sign of anaemia and when it is treated will disappear. They are due to the accumulation of cells under the free edge.

Eggshell Nails:

These nails are very thin, pale and very flexible compared to normal nails, they also curve upwards at the free edge. The usual cause for this is chronic illness or a nervous disorder.

Ringworm:

Ringworm is a fungal infection and can cause permanent nail damage. It is a difficult condition to clear and can last several months. The disease is highly infectious and the hands must be covered to avoid spreading infection. People with weak nails are most likely to develop the condition which usually spreads by direct contact. all types of ringworm must be treated with antibiotics.

Paronychia:

This is the most common of all nail diseases. It usually starts off as a torn cuticle, bacteria enters the nail fold and a swollen throbbing condition results with the formation of pus around the nail border. A doctor will usually prescribe an anti-fungal ointment to get rid of any infection.

Severe nail separation:

This is a condition in which the nail loosens from the nail bed, beginning at the free edge and continuing to the Lunula- but does not come off. it is caused by an internal disorder, trauma, infection or certain drug treatments.

Severe bruising:

This is a condition whereby a clot of blood forms under the nail plate. The clot is usually caused by injury to the nail bed. In some cases the nail will fall off during the healing process.

Onychophagy:

Onychophagy is the medical term for nails that have being bitten enough to become deformed. This condition can be improved by professional manicuring techniques and any artificial tips and wraps can hide deformed nails.

About Me structure of nail Favourites  My nails tips and things nail art know how