The nail, a living tissue mainly made up of keratin
Nails undergo a series of significant traumas on a daily basis (shock, cold, water, etc.). Their good health depends on a balanced diet, regular care, and daily hygiene.
The nail extends beyond the visible part. It grows from the matrix, located at the base of the nail, under the skin. We can see the end of the matrix with the lunula (“little moon” in Latin), this white part of the nail, more visible on the thumb.
Like hair, the nail is made up of 95% keratin and grows thanks to this protein which contains sulfur amino acids, including cystine and methionine. Nail growth is about 3 millimeters per month for a fingernail and about 1.5 millimeters for a toenail.
The appearance of our nails says a lot about our health
Weak or brittle hair and nails are often the result of weak keratin. Thus, to promote the synthesis of this fibrous protein, a supply of amino acids, vitamins and minerals is required.
Zinc, iron and vitamins of group B are to be favored to maintain beautiful nails. These micronutrients participate in the manufacture and protection of the nail. For example, vitamin B6 is essential for the synthesis of cysteine (amino acid entering into the composition of keratin).
Yellowed nails are often the result of smoking cigarettes, or even daily use of varnish (dark pigments), without a protective varnish base. However, taking certain medications can also be responsible for the yellowing of the nail.
Pale nails can be a sign of circulatory disorders (poor blood oxygenation, poor circulation). Indeed, the nail is not colored, it is the underlying blood vessels that give its pink color.
Finally, certain traumas (shock, crushing) can cause black spots to appear, linked to an accumulation of blood in the nail bed, under the nail.
Do not hesitate to consult a general practitioner or a dermatologist for any deformation or change in the appearance of your nails.
Nails: easy prey for unwanted microorganisms
Nail fungus is frequently caused by a microscopic fungus, yeast or mold.
It mainly affects the toenails and first appears as a white or even yellowish spot at the free edge of the nail, then gradually spreads to the base. The nail gradually thickens.
Prevention :
remember to dry your fingers and toes thoroughly after each wash,
change your shoes regularly to ventilate them,
use antifungal powder in shoes,
plan protective shoes if you have to frequent spaces favoring their appearance: swimming pools, gymnasiums, sauna,...
Manicure, the rules for taking care of your nails
To keep the nails as healthy as possible, the first recommendation is to space out the frequency of manicures to allow the nails to breathe. This will also allow you to observe the actual state of the nail. In addition, the varnish and the products used to remove it are drying and make the nail less robust.
Before applying varnish, it is essential to remove all traces of the previous varnish (even transparent) with a solvent product if possible without acetone (less aggressive for the nail).
Applying a protective base will protect the nails from yellowing linked to the pigment of certain varnishes. Then, apply the varnish from the base of the nail towards the free edge, avoiding the cuticles and the nail furrows.
Some experts advise against removing the cuticles during a manicure. These protect the body from moisture and microbes in the air.
Nail biting, a common tic
Onychophagia is a compulsive attitude of nail biting, often caused by stress. Impatient people, who get bored quickly, are also easily prone to this type of behavior.
The populations most affected are children, adolescents and young adults. This practice tends to stop around the age of 30.
The consequences of this bad habit, beyond aesthetics, are the occurrence of skin microlesions. In addition, biting your nails promotes the transmission of bacteria from the hands to the mouth...
How to stop biting your nails? It is first necessary to identify the moments during which the urge occurs to identify the cause, then to find tips to call to order. The use of bitter varnish can also be a deterrent.
