Everything you need to know about fingernails, toe nails, nail fungus and other nail problems (dry, cracking, brittle nails). It will take some time to get all the information here - but PLEASE leave comments or questions and help me make this the best one-stop resource for the millions that suffer from nail problems.
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16 February 2010

Toe Nail Fungus

Nail Fungus Infection (onychomycosis) - Brief Overview:
Both fingernails and toenails can be affected, although toenail fungus is usually more common.

Symptoms: Infected nails can start off with just a small spot that can then take over the whole nail. An infected nail can become thick, yellow or dark and can even get "crumbly".

What Causes a Fungal Infection: The fungi (sometimes the same as causes athlete's foot) will "colonize" body parts like hair, nails and skin that are made of keratin. In some cases, a yeast infection may take hold.

Some Things that Increase Risk of Nail Infections: Infections can be more common in nails that may already be in a weakened state (an injury to the nail; elderly nails that may be unable to defend against the infection). Also having nails submersed in water for long periods of time or excessive moisture or sweating in the socks or even walking around barefoot in common public areas.

If you think you may have nail fungus or a nail infection you should see a physician and they can take a sample and determine if you do.

see also: Toe Fungus Relief

10 February 2010

Koilonychia and Subungual Hematoma

Koilonychia is when the nail curves upwards and forms into a spoon shape. This is thought to be caused by iron deficiency. The nail starts to change and become brittle and then changes to the cupped spoon-shape.

Subungual hematoma is when blood pools under the nail. This creates pressure and can often be painful. It may be the result of an injury or repetitive minor injuries (like running in shoes that don't fit properly). Often the pressure is released by drilling or melting a hole in the nail to release the blood.




For Dry, Brittle, Cracking or Peeling Nails we recommend you try FlexiNail. Read reviews from dozens of people on the website and enjoy a 100 day money-back guarantee. You will be amazed at the results of this penetrating fingernail conditioner.

Nail Problems: Koilonychias (curled nails)

Koilonychias - curled nails
Curled fingernails or spoon nails is called koilonychias. The nails are soft and look scooped out or like a spoon. The “scooped out” area or depression can usually actually hold a bit of liquid. This type of nail could be an indication of iron deficiency anemia.

see also: other nail problems

For Dry, Brittle, Cracking or Peeling Nails we recommend you try FlexiNail. Read reviews from dozens of people on the website and enjoy a 100 day money-back guarantee. You will be amazed at the results of this penetrating fingernail conditioner.

Nail Problems: Nail Pitting

Nail pitting
Nail pits are small indents or depressions in the nail itself. They might be the result of a nail injury, but are also common to those with psoriasis (scaly skin patches). The pitting nails often accompany conditions that can damage your nails cuticle. This can include chronic dermatitis of your fingers (alopecia areata) which is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. Pitting can actually cause your nails to crumble in some cases.



see also: other nail problems



For Dry, Brittle, Cracking or Peeling Nails we recommend you try FlexiNail. Read reviews from dozens of people on the website and enjoy a 100 day money-back guarantee. You will be amazed at the results of this penetrating fingernail conditioner.

Nail Problems: Beau's Lines

Beau’s Lines (horizontal ridges or indentations)
These lines run across your nails and unlike normally harmless vertical ridges (which run the same direction as your nail grows). The horizontal lines or indentations occur because growth in the nail matrix or under the cuticle has been interrupted by a serious sickness or disease such as malnutrition, diabetes, circulatory problem or even an illness with a high fever.

see also: other nail problems



For Dry, Brittle, Cracking or Peeling Nails we recommend you try FlexiNail. Read reviews from dozens of people on the website and enjoy a 100 day money-back guarantee. You will be amazed at the results of this penetrating fingernail conditioner.

Nail Problems: Nail clubbing

Nail clubbing
Nail clubbing is when the tips of your fingers enlarge and your fingernails actually curve over and around your fingertips. This condition results from low oxygen levels in your blood and could be a sign of lung problems or disease. It could also be the result of other health issues such as inflammatory bowel disease or cardiovascular disease or a liver problem.

See also: other nail problems



For Dry, Brittle, Cracking or Peeling Nails we recommend you try FlexiNail. Read reviews from dozens of people on the website and enjoy a 100 day money-back guarantee. You will be amazed at the results of this penetrating fingernail conditioner.

Nail Problems: Yellow Nails

Yellow nails could result from stains (i.e. smoking) or could result from a another condition that causes the nail growth to slow down.

Smoking: Tar and nicotine can stain the nails. Some people try to soak the fingernails in lemon juice or use dissolved denture pills which may help, but stopping smoking will definitely do the job.

Nail Polish: Always wearing nail polish can deprive the nails of oxygen and cause stains. Some polish may also have ingredients that can stain the nail. Two things you can do to help: give your nails a break from polish once in while and consider using a clear coat before applying dark nail polishes that might stain.

Nail Fungus: If your nails turns a dark yellow it could be an indication that you have nail fungus. It could start as a small spot and then take over the whole nail. To read more on nail fungus, search this site or visit NAIL FUNGUS.

Possible Medical Conditions: Yellowing in your fingernails could be the result from a respiratory condition like chronic bronchitis. It might also result from lymphedema – which is the swelling of the hands. In the case of yellow nails, the nail actually thickens and new nail growth slows down and that results in the yellow colorization. Although this condition may be a sign of a respiratory disease, you can also have yellow nails without a respiratory issue, but if you are concerned you should have it checked out.

See also: other nail issues

For Dry, Brittle, Cracking or Peeling Nails we recommend you try FlexiNail. Read reviews from dozens of people on the website and enjoy a 100 day money-back guarantee. You will be amazed at the results of this penetrating fingernail conditioner.

09 February 2010

Chemotherapy and Nail Problems - worth reposting

Although hair loss and chemotherapy are well associated - nail problems are also a very common problem.

People write to FlexiNail and ask if it's true, "Do you really give away free product to people on chemotherapy who are having some financial troubles?"

The short answer is yes we do. The longer answer is that we also have to limit the free product we give away - or people just abuse it and write and say they are undergoing chemotherapy and want free product. When you write us, please tell us a little about yourself and your circumstances. Don't just write and request free product please. Ideally, we would like to help those people that are having a tough time and could use a break - even a little one like some free Flexinail.

Tell us what drug you're taking, a little about what you're going through and maybe why some free product would make a difference to you. We will take your email and put you on our list - we try to help out one person (and sometimes more) each day.

Write to FlexiNail at admin@FlexiNail.com and remember to stay positive.

08 February 2010

How do fingernails grow?

Your fingernails are composed of laminated protein layers of keratin. Nail growth starts out from the area at the base of the nail and under your cuticle. New cells grow and compact up against the older cells. They become hard (compacted) and are eventually actually pushed out toward the end of your fingertips.

This is why you usually have to wait months to see significant changes to your nails. You can more easily effect the "new" nail growth under the cuticle. This new nail will take time to grow out. Keep looking after this area under the cuticle and your nails should stay healthy looking.

07 February 2010

What Causes Split Fingernails. Can you prevent them?

People think that split nails are the result of a lack of a certain type of vitamins or minerals. Some even think that taking a geletin supplement will help. You might be surprised to learn that in many cases the cause of the splitting is simply exposure to water or other materials that dry out the nail like alcohol based hand sanitizers or many nail polish removers. Even dry or cold weather is a large factor in nail splitting.

All these factors serve to dry out effect the nail's natural protective state. So instead of loading up on the jello, here are some things you can do to help your nails.

- Try to reduce the amount of times you change finger nail polish color. This will reduce the use of harsh nail polish remover.

- Be gentler on your nails. Try to reduce their exposure to water for example (use gloves when doing dishes, gardening or using harsh cleaning products for example). Try to keep your hands out of the water on those long soaks in the bath tub.

- If your nails are in rough shape, keep your nails neatly trimmed to avoid snags and rips.

- Of course, we recommend using FlexiNail conditioner which was specifically developed to allow the conditioning complex to penetrate the nail's protective coating and get into the nail matrix where it can actually be effective.

04 February 2010

What Causes Verticle Fingernail Ridges?

Vertical fingernail ridges are ones that start under the cuticle and extend to the end of the nail. These are not to be confused with horizontal nail ridges (running across the nail).

The actual source or cause of these vertical ridges is unknown, but heredity is thought to play a role. These ridges tend to become more prominent as we age. Vertical ridges do not pose a health problem - although sometimes the nail becomes weaker at these ridges and will split.

There is NO product on the market that can make these ridges go away. If you are getting splitting at these ridges then gently file the ends of your nails to help stop snagging. Also a penetrating nail conditioner not only helps maintain your nails, but it is an excellent way to lessen the chances of your nail cracking or breaking at these ridges.

Again, don't confuse vertical ridges with horizontal ridges. If your nails change color or have HORIZONTAL ridges you should see your doctor as this could indicate a health problem.

see also: Nail problems FlexiNail nail conditioner

02 February 2010

Nail Conditions: Onycholysis, Onychodystrophy, Onychomadesis, Onychomycosis, Koilonychia and Subungual Hematoma.

Onycholysis is when the nail separates from the nail bed. This condition can also be associated with trauma, nail fungus, infection or as a reaction, allergy or side effect to nail enhancement products or certain drugs.

Onychodystrophy is a deformation of the nails that can result from cancer chemotherapy. It may include discoloration of the nail (dyschromia).

Onychomadesis is the term for the separation and falling off of a nail from the actual nail bed. This can sometimes be caused by infection, a minor injury to the nail matrix, a systemic illness or even as a reaction to chemotherapy.

Onychomycosis (tinea unguium) is a contageous infection caused by fungus. Thick, discolored, chalky or crumbling nails is often the result. Milder cases are sometimes treated with topical antifungal applications to attempt to avoid the potential side effects of oral medication. Consult with your physician on the best option for you.

Koilonychia is when the nail curves upwards and forms into a spoon shape. This is thought to be caused by iron deficiency. The nail starts to change and become brittle and then changes to the cupped spoon-shape.

Subungual hematoma is when blood pools under the nail. This creates pressure and can often be painful. It may be the result of an injury or repetitive minor injuries (like running in shoes that don't fit properly). Often the pressure is released by drilling or melting a hole in the nail to release the blood.

That's enough "ony" words for tonight.

01 February 2010

Nail Polish Remover Concerns.

Nail polish remover is hard on your nails. Use it infrequently as possible, especially if you are using an acetone based remover. Nail polish removers can really dry the nail out and this leads to cracking and breaking.

One suggestion is to remove your nail polish only once a week or less. Go one step further and take a polish "break" between color changes. On this "break" apply FlexiNail two or three times a day if possible (each application only takes a few seconds). These days without polish and using FlexiNail regularly help restore the nail's natural balance.

Watch this YouTube video to see how a flexible nail works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQUhRSaIqZo