TREAT YELLOWING NAILS

TREAT YELLOWING NAILS

Discolored and misshapen nails can be an indicator of various medical condition like disease of the liver, lungs and nutritional deficiencies. However, yellowing nails need not necessarily occur due to internal disorders. Here are some of others factors that can lead to discoloration of nails:

Nail fungus

If fungus sets under the nails, it might discolor your nails. Yellowing nails caused by fungal infections gradually become flaky and start emitting a foul odour as the fungus breaks down the components of the nail. An oral anti-fungal medication from your physician should solve your problem.

Smoking

Smoking never did anyone any good. Besides causing serious health problems, it can also cause yellow fingernails.

Always wearing nail polish

Perplexed why your nails are yellowing despite getting a manicure and pedicure regularly? Your obsession with looking well – groomed might be the main culprit behind your yellowing nails. Continual of use nail varnish deprives the nails of the oxygen needed to maintain their natural color. There’s no harm in getting a regular manicure – pedicure, but give the varnish a miss to let your nails breath every now and then.

Restore and treat

How do your restore the natural color of your nails?

Get your nails checked by a physician to rule out the possibility of a fungal infection and follow these simple steps for sparkling, healthy nails:

Soak your hands in a small bowl filled with warm water and soap for 10-15 minutes. This will loosen up dirt or grime on your nail bed, thereby making clean easier:

Use a nailbrush with soft bristles to clean your nails. Make sure to scrub over the nail bed as well as on the underside of the nails.

In another bowl, make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Scoop some of this mixture with your nailbrush and again scrub over the nail bed and the underside of  your nail. This helps whiten nails a  great deal.

Make sure to moisturize your hands and nails after this process since lemon can dry out your nails.

You can also use a cotton ball dipped in lemon essential oil on your fingernails and cuticles. It will gradually brighten your nails without drying them out. It also helps in nourishing your cuticles. Nails will gradually start looking healthier and whiter.

Always use a good quality base coat under your nail polish.

Avoid using bright reds, blacks and other dark nail paints too often as they tend to stain nails more than lighter colors.

Refrain from applying nail polish at all times. Given your nails a break in between polishes.        

Thanks
THE TIMES OF INDIA -15 AUG, 2012.