7 Most Common Problems That Can Affect Your Nails
The Australian Women's Weekly|February 2018

If the thought of sandal season makes your toes curl, heed the advice of Professor Kerryn Phelps to ensure good nail health.

Professor Kerryn Phelps
7 Most Common Problems That Can Affect Your Nails

Your nails are an important part of your presentation to the world. Fingernails are also important for fine touch and handwork. Toenails have a protective role, especially your big toenail. As a GP, I am often asked about splitting, cracking, ridging, discolouration or white spots on fingernails or toenails. While the main concern is often about the appearance of the nails, the state of your nails can also say a lot about your general health. Here are just a few of the most common problems that can affect your nails, and some advice on how to look after them.

Nail injury

Toenails, especially, are prone to repeated injury over the years from footwear, sporting injuries and changes due to arthritis. Anyone who has ever hiked or skied in boots that put pressure on the big toenail will be able to relate to this. Fingernails can be damaged by chemicals, soaps and detergents, manicures, cutting or dissolving cuticles, and using harsh chemicals to apply and remove polishes, false nails and acrylics.

Fungal infection

A fungal infection in a nail (onychomycosis) can appear as yellow discolouration, lifting of the end of the nail from the nail bed, thickening of the nail. In some cases, the nail can be completely destroyed. You can treat the condition with an over-the-counter, anti-fungal nail polish containing terbinafine. More extensive infections need oral anti-fungal tablets.

Paronychia (inflammation of the skin around a nail)

This story is from the February 2018 edition of The Australian Women's Weekly.

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This story is from the February 2018 edition of The Australian Women's Weekly.

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