By the way . . . Hands up if you look after your nails
I HAVE terrible nails. I’m prone to incessant fingernail biting during periods of stress. My toenails are traumatised from years of wearing shoes that don’t fit, as well as an amateur running career. There are two types of nail owners in life: those who care and those who don’t. I’m in the latter category by default rather than design.
You may not think it, but nail health constitutes about 10% of a dermatologist’s workload. Fungal infections are the greatest offenders, but any disease that impacts the skin can impact the nails.
In addition, the state of our nails often reflects our general health, so they can provide the first clue to an undiagnosed disease. What should you be on the look out for? While it might seem the best option to paint over discoloured or thickened nails, don’t overlook them. Their condition could be highlighting a whole host of problems, from liver or kidney disease to heart and lung conditions. Remember, you are likely to be the first one to notice as most doctors don’t scrutinise your fingernails, let alone ask you to remove your socks.
Though fungus tops the charts in terms of nail casualties, ingrown toenails come in close second. General wear and tear as you age can also result in nail damage and an increased susceptibility to infection.
One of the most deadly skin conditions, melanoma, may also occur in the nail. Pushing vanity aside, the appearance of your nails is very important.
A manicure might seem the best way to keep you nails healthy, but this is one situation where it’s possible to get too much of a good thing. Anyone can set themselves up as a manicurist without having a single qualification as there’s no industry regulation. The descaling and filing that is part of a treatment can also be tough on your nails and result in damage.
Infection is another pitfall if tools aren’t properly sterilised, then there’s the chemicals: abrasive, corrosive and allergy provoking. Plus, if you sign up for a gel manicure your nails will be cooked under ultraviolet light to set them. The jury is still out on this process and its associations with cancer, but it goes without saying that any ill effects are more likely to impact you the more you meddle with your nails.
With my doctor’s hat on, I’ll offer the same advice for sensational nails as I do for killer heels: save them for special occasions.