DERMATOLOGY COMMUNITY
finger nail and toe nail problem

finger nail and toe nail problem

the nails on my hands and toes will occasionally spilt or turn purple and come off.  what can i do?
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Hi,

You could be suffering from brittle nails. Brittle fingernails are a condition that people of all ages and genders can experience.

People who have their hands in water several times a day are particularly susceptible to problems with fingernails. Even washing dishes by hand several times a day can lead to this condition. The solution is to cover the hands with rubber gloves.

Poor nutrition can also cause brittle nails. The solution is to include foods in the daily diet that will promote healthy nails. Biotin is an excellent nutrient for promoting the health of nails, and can be found in several vegetables, most notably cauliflower and lentils. Foods with a rich content of Vitamin A, potassium, phosphorus, and niacin also are helpful.

Having a manicure can also help with brittle nails. Keeping the nails trimmed and even makes it less likely that the nails will crack or tear.

Making it a point to massage your fingertips at least a couple of times a day can help improve the flow of blood around the nails. Increased circulation will allow the nails to absorb nutrients easier and promote the production of nails that are healthy. If the nails are very dry, using a moisturizer as part of the massage will also help to add the right kind of moisture to the nail during the process.

Tapping the nails on hard surfaces promotes growth, but that new growth is often weaker and takes some time to toughen up. In like manner, biting nails can make nails more brittle as well.

Regards.
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