Alice,
I'm a forty-five-plus-year-old woman and have noticed that my fingernails
have become quite misshapen over the past few years. Some are quite flat,
while others curl down at the sides. They are also very easily damaged
— they thin and flake easily at the ends. What can I do diet-wise to
strengthen them?
— Nailpolish
Dear Nailpolish,
Changes in your diet can improve the health of your nails. Fingernails
require:
- complete protein
- vitamins A, C, and B Complex — vitamin C serves to prevent
peeling and hangnails, and B Complex prevents fragile nails
- calcium and other minerals, such as sulfur, iodine, and iron, which is
necessary to prevent weak, dry, and thin nails
Environmental factors can also affect the health of nails. Excessive
immersion of hands in water with detergents, disinfectants, and soap can
harm nails. Cold weather and wind can be hard on nails as well.
Protective measures include wearing plastic gloves while doing dishes,
and wearing gloves when outside in winter weather. Certain nail products,
such as nail polish remover and enamels, are drying to nails. Even nail
hardeners (those that contain formaldehyde) can make brittle nails more
brittle. Artificial nails and nail wraps can also be damaging as they
may contain acrylics and peroxide, which can harm your natural nails.
So, work on improving what you eat and protecting your hands. If you want
more specific dietary advice, make an appointment with the nutritionist at
Health Services by calling x4-2284.
Sometimes, changes in the nail can also be the result of a nail infection,
such as a fungal infection. If none of the above suggestions seems
to work, see a health care provider or dermatologist for diagnosis and
treatment.
- Alice
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Fingernails misshapen
