Nail problems and treatment and home remedies

The nail forms a shield at the end of the fingers and toes.The nail itself is transparent, but appears pink because of the blood vessels lying under the skin. The end of the nail is white because of air beneath it. The crescent, also called the lunule, appears white because it does not firmly

adhere to the connective tissue. The nail plate consists of dead, cornified cells. Nails grow from between 1/500–1/20in. (0.05–1.2mm.) per week. Fingernails grow faster than toenails, and nails of individual fingers of the same hand grow at different rates. Growth increases during the

summer, and is slower in cold climates, and sometimes during illness. Onycholysis—detachment of the nail from its bed. Thismay occur as a result of a collection of blood (a hematoma)forming underneath it, most commonly caused by injury. Other possible causes of onycholysis include psoriasis, thyrotoxicosis, and fungus infection. Complete shedding of the nail can lead to a cessation of nail growth. Paronychia—an infection of the soft tissue around the nail. It is usually the result of repeated minor injury, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation. Horizontal ridges—these usually indicate an infectionin the skin around the nail.Nail thickening—a feature of psoriasis and fungus infection.Nail-biting—an anxiety- or boredom-related habitwhich, in severe cases, may cause damage to the cuticlesand even infection.

T R E AT M E N T

Chinese Herbalism

Brittle nails are attributed to the kidneys, and watermelon

and nori (seaweed) would be advised.

Aromatherapy

Add a little rosemary oil to a light carrier oil and massage

into the base of the finger and toenails to improve

circulation to the area.

Use tea tree oil on the affected area for bacterial or fungal infections.

Homeopathy

Antimonium, for brittle, horny nails.

Thuja, for brittle nails with a red base. Also for

ingrown toenails.

Graphites, for thick, deformed, brittle, painful, or

crumbling nails.

Belladonna, for the early stages of infection (yeast or bacterial).

Vitamins and Minerals

Take zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin B-complex for fungal infections.

White spots are often a sign of a deficiency of zinc or vitamin A. Deformed nails can be caused by deficiency of

vitamins A, B-complex, and C, calcium, magnesium,

zinc, and essential fatty acids

Iron deficiency can lead to nail problems; increase your iron intake

Fungal infections can be improved by eating live

yogurt each day, or taking acidophilus supplements.