It's a wonder we don't have more injuries to our nails. They are the advance platoon as we move through life. We use them for almost everything we do. We get them caught in car doors being slammed shut; we catch them on things, causing them to rip; and we hit them with hammers or other tools. We yell and sometimes shed tears, but usually we know they’re minor in the overall course of events and just try to ease the pain. If you've ever had an infected nail, you know that they’re a little more than minor and should get proper attention when they occur. Fingernails grow about 1/10 of a millimeter a day, and toenails grow at about half that rate. Any disease that decreases blood flow to the hands will slow nail growth. They also grow less as we grow older. There are several things that we can do to treat our nails, including adding raw foods into our diets.
Changes in Nails
- Splitting, peeling, brittleness. These usually result from overexposure of the hands to water, soap, or chemicals. You might want to consider wearing gloves such as surgical gloves at least part of the time if you are subject to this overexposure.
- Color changes. A minor injury may cause small white marks that last for a while and then go away. If you hit your finger with a hammer or slam it in a door, it will probably turn black. As the injury heals, normal color will return. If your nail has turned black, brown or purple when you haven't injured it, it's time to have it looked at by a doctor. It may be a melanoma.
- Shape and texture changes. Ridges are normal with aging; however, thick, brittle, or dark nails may signal poor circulation.
- Separation. If your nail is pulling away from the nail bed, first of all, it won't reattach; and secondly, it will grow back slowly. Fingernails will grow back in about six months, but toenails may take as long eighteen months to grow back attached.
- Infection, including allergic reactions. These are common with the use of artificial nails.
- Fungus. Appearance will vary by type of fungus or the location of the infection. Often, these follow athlete's foot infections. Symptoms: cracked, yellow, discolored, streaked, thickened, or spotted nails. Avoid walking barefoot in public places and in places such as fitness centers where people walk around barefoot. Also, they are more common under artificial nails.
Nail Problems
- Injury. Usually heal on their own.
- Hangnails. These may be harmless; however, they can cause infection next to the nails, where the skin will become swollen and tender.
- Nail biting. If this is serious, it can lead to red and sore cuticles that bleed. It can lead to bacterial infections as well around the nail beds and even in your mouth. It can also cause dental problems and gum infections.
- Side effects of medicines. For example, chemotherapy and antimalarial medications.
- Skin Diseases. Some of these are psoriasis and eczema.
- Skin growths. For example, warts, cysts, or moles.
- Other diseases. Addision's, for example, or peripheral artery disease. An HIV infection usually affects the nails.
Fungal Nail Infections
These are common enough to justify extra treatment. If a fungus attacks your fingernails or toenails or even the skin under your nails, called nail beds, it's very difficult to get rid of. If you’re healthy, it's nothing to get panicked about. It looks bad and it can damage your nails or nail beds; however, if you have diabetes or a weak immune system, it can lead to much worse problems, and you will want to talk to your doctor about the best way to treat it. These are caused by yeasts, molds, and fungi–usually the same type that causes athlete's foot. These little critters grow best in warm, moist places and spread from person to person. Be careful about walking barefoot any place frequented by others such as public showers, showers in a fitness center, or a swimming pool. You can also get it by sharing towels and nail clippers. Sometimes you feel no symptoms but more often than not, it will become uncomfortable to wear shoes, walk or stand for very long. It will probably spread to other nails and perhaps even to your skin. It can cause permanent damage to the nail or the nail bed. You will probably need medical treatment before it will go away. These tend to come back, and you can prevent that by washing and drying your feet carefully every night. Wear shoes that fit and if they’re moist after you wear them, switch off for at least 24 hours. Wear cotton socks and change often, especially if your feet sweat a lot. Wear flip-flops or shower sandals in wet public areas such as locker rooms.
Those most likely to get a nail infection:
- People older than 60.
- Those who have diabetes.
- Those whose immune systems have been weakened in some way.
- Someone with a nail injury, especially a hangnail or an ingrown toenail.
- Those whose shoes make the feet moist or sweaty.
- People who live or work in hot, humid places.
Keep your system healthy by following your raw-foods diet, being certain you are including all the nutrients you need to have healthy skin, nails, and hair. A balanced raw-foods diet that includes plenty of raw whole grains and an abundance of fruits and vegetables that provide the range of vitamins necessary for good health will go a long way in keeping both your skin and your nails healthy. Also, pay attention to anti-oxidants. Most raw-foods diets are already high in these magical substances that make such a difference in how healthy we are; however, give some special attention to them when you are planning your raw-foods diet. Consider including broccoli sprouts–they are a powerhouse of nutrients. Purchase natural, organic products to keep your nails healthy by going to www.lovelula.com. That site also has links to a number of other companies that provide these products.
By TTS Cofounder Botanical Chef Omid Jaffari
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