Peeling Fingernails – Causes And Remedies Of Dry Peeling Nails
Fingernails serve a very important purpose. They are made up of a tough protein called keratin, which protects your fingertips from injury. In addition to this they also help strengthen your fingers so you can pick up objects easily. The fingernail is made up of a number of thin layers. Every once in a while some people experience peeling of the fingernail. This takes us to a common question of why does this happen?
Causes Of Peeling Fingernails
This could either be due to natural environmental factors or could even be inadvertently self-induced.
Sudden change in weather could be the reason. Most often dry, cold weather is the culprit. Certain prescription drugs also have a dehydrating effect on the skin and nails. Try using a moisturizing cream or nail oil that contains jojoba and vitamin E.
On the flipside of the coin, excessive hydration of your hands also is not very good. For people who are constantly exposed to water such as swimmers, applying a layer of olive oil or petroleum jelly on the fingernails may prove beneficial.
It could also be a yeast infection, or if you already have a pre-existing skin condition such as psoriasis it may have been transmitted to your fingernails. Consult a dermatologist for this.
Sometimes, inadequate protein or B- vitamins in your diet may be an issue. Try to add a little protein into your diet along with some fresh fruits and vegetables, or even a dietary supplement. Some doctors even suggest eating fatty fish twice a week as fish oils have been proven to benefit peeling fingernails.
These days your hands are exposed to a number of chemicals. Whether you are cleaning your house, washing the dishes or even conducting pest-control, you are exposing your hands to some very harsh chemicals. So take the right precautions. Wear rubber gloves during the activity and wash your hands thoroughly after.
As important as prettying up your fingernails is, it is also vital that you think of the negative impact that this might have on them. Some women like those fake acrylic nails. They do look great, but once you take them off you may find that your fingernails have become paper thin and damaged. If that is the case make sure you eat the right foods, use a moisturizer and pick a good nail strengthener to stimulate nail growth. Before selecting a nail strengthener check the ingredients. Try using one that does not contain any formaldehyde, toluene or dibutyl phthalate.