Pick a gentle moisturizer free of a lot of chemicals or added scents. If you develop a rash after starting a new moisturizer, cease use. You may have a mild allergy to that brand.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends petroleum jelly for cuticle care. Ointments get messy, so try applying them to your cuticles before bed. It can get cumbersome to have sticky ointment on your fingertips during the day.
You should also try wearing gloves if you’re doing something like washing dishes. This can help keep your nails dry, preventing them from becoming brittle.
Trim your nails short as this can help you resist the temptation to bite. You can also use foul-tasting nail polish or place tape or stickers over your nails. Identify what triggers you to bite your nails. You may bite in response to stress, boredom, or anxiety. Try to know when you’re going into a situation where you may be tempted to bite your nails and take steps to avoid biting. You could, for example, play with a stress ball or a small ball of silly putty. Give yourself time. Nail biting, like any bad habit, will not change overnight. It may take a few months before you’ve broken the habit of biting your nails.
Make sure any salons you use are licensed and the manicurist and pedicurists you work with are licensed by the state board. Avoid having your cuticles removed, as this can lead to an infection. Make sure to have your nail technician sterilize any tools he or she will be using on your nails. Ask if foot baths are cleaned regularly.
When using public showers or pools, wear flip flops as this can prevent your toes from being exposed to bacteria.
Mild nail fungus may not require treatment, especially if the conditions is not bothering you. However, if your nails have hardened due to fungus, and are causing your pain, medication may help. See a dermatologist if nail fungus is bothering you. Depending on the severity of your infection, and your medical history, your dermatologist may prescribed oral anti-fungal medications, medicated nail polish, or medicated cream. In rare cases, nail removal may be necessary.
Rough nails with ridges, nails with side-to-side lines, and nails with white streaks or spots may be a sign of kidney disease. An early sign of arthritis may be cysts near your cuticles. Psoriasis, a skin conditions characterized by scaly red patches on the body, can show up around your nails. Watch for nicks or pits on your nails, black lines, redness, or white patches. Keep in mind nail changes are rarely the first sign of an underlying medical condition. If you have other physical symptoms combined with changes in your nails, make an appointment with your doctor for evaluation.
