Sometimes, we fail to understand the importance of our nails. They are not only to make you look gorgeous but can tell a lot about your health. That is why it is so important to maintain them in the best condition, or you'll fall victim to nail diseases. Typically, nail diseases are not as horrible as they look. 

You can identify these irritating issues early on and handle them correctly. Maintaining your nails not only keeps them attractive but also benefits your overall well-being.

Let's discuss how to get those strong nails and fight the diseases linked to them.

What are Nail Diseases?

Nails can experience issues from time to time, just like our skin or hair. When nails get sick or have issues, we call them nail diseases.

Different symptoms can point to nail diseases. Your nails can sometimes get thicker or thinner than normal, or they can shift color. They can even become brittle or take on an odd look. Many different things can trigger these changes, but the majority of these nail issues are treatable and not very serious.

Causes of Nail Diseases

There are many reasons why nails can become problematic. However, the following are some common ones:

1. Injuries: Your nails can sometimes suffer damage if you hit or break them. This can end up giving you a weird look for your nail when it grows back.
2. Poor Nail Care: Not taking care of your nails could trigger problems. They can get infected more easily if they are not kept clean or trimmed too short.
3. Health concerns: Changes in nail color can point to the presence of health concerns related to diabetes or thyroid problems. You should see a doctor if you notice an unexpected change in the look of your nails and you're not quite sure why.
4. Infections: Small fungi that grow under your nails have the capacity to cause nail infections. They like warm, moist places, so sweaty shoes or damp areas can make them worse.
5. Chemicals: If you use nail polish removers or nail polishes regularly, the harsh chemicals in these products can damage your nails. It's always best to go for breathable nail polish.

Remember that many of these issues can be avoided with proper nail care. So, try to keep your nails clean and cut them evenly. You should not hesitate to ask for advice from a mature person or visit a doctor if you notice any changes. Your nails will appreciate your time and effort.

Types of Nail Diseases and Treatment

Nail diseases can change your nails' appearance and texture. These are a few common kinds:

Fungal infections

A fungal infection occurs when a kind of fungus grows under the nail and may make the nail look yellow, thick, and crumbly. It is most often the toenails that are affected, as shoes provide a dark, moist environment in which fungi can grow.

Treatment: If you have a mild fungal infection, you might be able to treat it at home by:

• Keeping your toenails clean.
• Gently filing off any white marks.
• Using over-the-counter antifungal creams.

Ingrown Nails

Ingrown nails are a condition where the edge of a nail grows down and into the skin rather than over the skin. Usually, it is quite painful and may become infected, producing redness and swelling.

Treatment: If your toenail is growing into your skin, you can try these things at home:

• Soak your foot in warm water a few times a day.
• Keep your foot dry the rest of the time.
• Wear sandals or comfy shoes until it gets better.
• Use pain relievers like Motrin or Tylenol.
• If it doesn't get better in a few days, see your doctor.

Nail Psoriasis

Nail Psoriasis is a condition in which the nails get affected by psoriasis. It makes the nails rough and pitted, with white or yellow discoloration in spots. It makes the nails look ugly.

Treatment: It's treated with special therapies from the doctor, but it takes time to see results. Treatments can include:

• Getting shots of corticosteroids in, under, or near the nail.
• Taking medications like methotrexate, cyclosporine, apremilast, or biologics.
• Using certain medicines like Otrexup, Rasuvo, Humira, or Cosentyx.

Paronychia

Paronychia is an inflammation of the skin around the nail, often bacterial or yeast-related. There is redness, swollen, tender skin, and possibly puss drainage.

Treatment: Here's what you can do for the treatment of Paronychia:

• For infections caused by bacteria, your doctor might give you antibiotics like cephalexin or dicloxacillin.
• For fungal infections, you might need antifungal creams like Nizoral.

Onycholysis

Onycholysis is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. It can happen because of injury, infection, or an allergic reaction to substances like nail polishes.

Treatment: If your nail is coming off, your doctor might suggest:

• Taking medications like Lamisil or Sporonox.
• Using special creams or nail polish after removing the loose nail.
• Trying laser therapy.

Brittle Nail Syndrome

Brittle Nail Syndrome is not very noticeable, but it makes the nails weak and easily breakable. This can happen from nails getting wet and then drying them too often, which weakens them.

Treatment: If your nails break easily, you can try these tricks:

• Avoid getting your nails wet too much or using harsh chemicals.
• Put moisturizer on your nails regularly.
• Take biotin or zinc supplements if your body lacks them.
• Try using special nail products that make nails stronger.

Onychogryphosis 

Onychogryphosis is a big word for a problem where your toenail or fingernail gets really thick and curved. Doctors aren't sure what causes it, but a few things can make it more likely. These include factors like injury, wonky bones in your feet, a fungal infection in your nails, not keeping your nails clean or cutting them weirdly, restricted blood flow or ill-fitted shoes could also be part of the problem.

Treatment: You can treat it by:

• Not putting too much pressure on your nails.
• Wearing shoes that fit well.
• Using special tools to trim your nails properly.
• Freezing your nails a bit before trimming them can help too.

How to Avoid Nail Diseases?

Here are the ways you can adopt in your daily routine to avoid getting nail diseases:

Trim Your Nails Regularly

Keep your nails short to avoid them growing into your skin. Trimming your nails after a shower or bath is best because they're softer at that time. You can use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges.

Be Careful with Manicures and Pedicures

Make sure the tools your nail person uses are clean. Ask them not to push back your cuticles. And make sure foot baths are cleaned well between customers to avoid spreading foot problems.

Use a Nail Serum

You should consider using a special serum to make your nails stronger and healthier. Just like your skin, nails need moisture too. You can try almond or avocado oil on your nails and cuticles before bed to keep them from getting dry and brittle.

Eat Healthy Foods

Eating foods like fish, almonds, and beans can help your body make a protein called keratin, which is what nails are made of. You can also take supplements like biotin and fish oil to help your nails grow strong.

Keep Your Nails Clean and Dry

Dirty or damp places can make germs grow under your nails, which is not fun. Also, too much moisture can make your nails split. You should focus on keeping your nails dry and clean.

Don’t Bite Your Nails

Nail biting is a tough habit to break, but it's important because your mouth has lots of bacteria that can make you sick if they get into cuts on your fingers. You should try to find other ways to keep your hands busy instead of biting your nails. We know it's hard, but consider indulging in tasty foods instead of biting your not-so-tasty nails.

Avoid Harsh Nail Polish

Some nail polishes have chemicals that can weaken your nails or make them yellow. If you love wearing nail polish, you should try using halal and breathable nail polish. These polishes are made to let oxygen and water pass through them. It is really good for your nails, especially if you wear nail polish a lot.

Halal nail polishes not only take care of your nails but also address ethical and religious concerns. They're healthier for your nails too. There are lots of brands out there that offer vegan nail polish and other nail care products. One of them is Mersi Cosmetics, that has many options for nail polishes and nail care products that you can add to your routine.

Benefits of Breathable Nail Polish for Healthy Nails

Breathable nail polish is something extraordinary, especially for Muslim women who do wudu before prayers. Let’s discuss why it's so great:

Permeability

Firstly, let's talk about permeability. This is a big deal with halal nail polish. It means water can go through the polish to touch your nails. During wudu, you need water to touch every part of your body, including your nails. Traditional nail polishes make a barrier that stops water from reaching your nails properly, which can be a problem for religious practices.

Healthier Nails

Breathable nail polish is made in a way that lets air and moisture get to your nails. This helps keep your nails healthy. Plus, it reduces the chances of getting fungal infections because it lets in just the right amount of moisture. Healthy nails are happy nails.

Non-Harmful Ingredients

What exactly is in vegan nail polish? It's made with ethical ingredients, which means it's free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP. These chemicals can be bad for anyone, but they're especially risky for pregnant women and people with sensitive skin. So, this is a safer choice for everyone.

Vegan Friendly

Halal nail polish is kind to animals. It's not tested on animals, and it doesn't have any ingredients that come from animals. This is really important for people who care about animal welfare. So, when you opt for a vegan nail polish, you're being kind to animals too.

Color Options

In the past, halal nail polish didn't have many colors to choose from. But now, there's a huge range of colors and finishes to pick from. This means Muslim women can keep up with the latest fashion trends without going against their beliefs. It's a win-win situation.

Environment Friendly

A breathable nail polish is better for the environment in lots of ways. Usually, it's made with natural ingredients that aren't as harmful to the environment. So, when you use it, you look after yourself as well as the planet.

Conclusion

To keep your nails healthy, you have to be aware of nail diseases and how to cure them. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important in controlling fungal infections, psoriasis, or plain brittleness. The good news is that many treatments are available now, including topical antifungal creams and medicated nail paints. 

Vegan nail polish is a great alternative for women who are looking for halal options. It gives better nail care solutions and follows religious principles. Remember that there are treatments available for everyone, no matter what the state of your nails is.

FAQs

Can I use breathable nail polish for healthier nails?

Breathable nail polish allows air and moisture to pass through the polish and reduces the risk of nail damage while promoting healthier nails.

What are the common nail diseases?

Common nail diseases are fungal infections, psoriasis, and brittle nail syndrome, which affect the nails.

Does nail biting lead to nail diseases?

Yes, nail biting can lead to nail infections and other nail-related issues due to the transfer of bacteria from the mouth to the nails.

How do I keep my nails healthy?

To maintain healthy nails, keep them dry and clean, stay away from harsh chemicals, and eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet.