Opinions About Nail Treatments

Healthy nails usually look pink.

Many opinions exist on what treatments to use for nail problems. In the case of nail fungus, for example, remedies range from natural, homeopathic solutions to conventional medical care. Home remedies as well as professional remedies exist for ingrown toenails or peeling nails. Healthy nails usually look pink. The presence of some other tinge might indicate the presence of disease elsewhere in the body. Consult a physician in such cases.

Nail Fungus

The medical term for nail fungus is onychomycosis. Fungi enter the nail usually through some type of trauma that has left an opening. Moisture and darkness help them grow. Common home remedies include the application of vinegar or a combination of vinegar and salt on affected areas. Mixing vinegar with hydrogen peroxide works for some. Tea tree oil, brushed on affected nails, works for others.

Medical doctors do not usually recommend home remedies or natural treatments for nail fungus as they are considered scientifically unsound. They do prescribe oral antifungal medications, which help healthy nails to grow in. According to MayoClinic.com, Lamisil and Sporanox work best. These medications might have side effects, however, which might lead to liver damage. Topical antifungal creams are recommended in conjunction with oral medications. Nail lacquers help mild conditions, whereas surgery may be advised for severe conditions.

Peeling

Cosmetically speaking, a nail hardener will "remedy" soft, peeling nails. However, to get at the root cause of the condition, look for nutritional deficiencies. According to Donnica Moore, M.D., iron deficiency is a major culprit. Taking a multivitamin with iron might restore health to the weakened nails, providing the iron content -- about 18 milligrams in a typical multivitamin -- is sufficient. Consult a physician before adding more than that to your diet. Take extra vitamin C to improve iron absorption. Iron loss occurs through excessive intake of caffeine, as well as regular use of calcium or aspirin.

Ingrown Toenails

Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.

When a nail is broken off at a corner and grows into the soft tissue of the toe, it is called an ingrown toenail. It most commonly affects the big toe and, if not taken care of, can cause the toe to become infected. Greater risk exists for diabetics due to poor circulation. See a physician only if the toe becomes infected or if there is significant pain and discomfort. Otherwise, taking care of the condition by keeping the feet clean and using topical antibacterial medicine should suffice.

Discoloration

Dermatologist Paul Kechijian, M.D. advises checking where nail discoloration occurs to determine if it is internal or external in origin. Occurrence of the discoloration while a nail is being formed means the cause is internal. If the discoloration manifests after the nail has been formed, the cause is external. Locate the bottom edge of the discoloration. If it conforms with the moon-shaped white area, or lunula, at the base of the nail, the cause is internal. Very close to the lunula is the proximal nail fold, which is the nearest attached end. It protects the nail plate as it emerges. If the discoloration parallels that shape, the cause is external. Nail discoloration could be symptomatic of such maladies as kidney disease, heart disease, liver problems, diabetes or anemia. See a physician for medical diagnosis and treatment if internally caused symptoms occur.

References

• FOOT.COM: Toenail Fungus
• Mayo Clinic: Nail Fungus: Treatment and Drugs
• DrDonnica.com: Frequently Asked Questions: Soft, Peeling Nails
• MayoClinic.com: Ingrown Toenails: Definition
• Nails Magazine: "Internal Disorders Can Affect the Nails;" Paul Kechijian, M.D.; September 1, 1993
• Water's Edge Dermatology: Nail Care Facts

Resources

• Hooked on Nails: Understanding Your Natural Nails