Caleb Foster
Damaged nails can be painful and unsightly, but there are several ways to treat and heal them. Nails can be damaged in many ways, including injury, fungal infection, skin conditions, and chemical exposure. Treatment options include removing the nail, keeping the area dry to prevent infection, and waiting for a new nail to grow. This process can take several months and may require medical attention in some cases. To promote nail health, it is recommended to keep nails trimmed, oiled, and moisturized, and to protect them from corrosive cleaning products by wearing gloves. Additionally, maintaining nail and skin hydration and using products like cuticle oil or hand cream can help keep the nail plate conditioned and hydrated.
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What You'll Learn
Keep nails short and moisturised
Keeping your nails short and moisturised is an important step in the process of growing back damaged nails. Nails that are left long are more susceptible to tearing and ripping, which can be very painful. Nails that are well-moisturised are less likely to become brittle and prone to flaking and breaking.
To keep your nails short, it is recommended to use a nail file, as clippers can sometimes cut the nail too short. A glass nail file or an emery board with a high grit (180 grit or higher) are good options. This will help to prevent your nails from becoming super thin and bendy, which can be uncomfortable.
To moisturise your nails, you can use a variety of products, such as cuticle oil, rich hand cream, or a face moisturiser or serum with an AHA, like glycolic or lactic acid. These products will help to hydrate your nails and the surrounding skin, keeping them strong and healthy. It is recommended to moisturise your nails regularly, especially if you wash your hands frequently, as this can dry out your nails.
In addition to keeping your nails short and moisturised, you may also want to consider taking oral biotin supplements, which dermatologists recommend to encourage strong and healthy nail growth. Wearing gloves when doing household chores or cleaning can also help to protect your nails from corrosive cleaning products and overexposure to dish soap, which can weaken your nails.
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Protect nails from household chemicals
When it comes to protecting your nails from household chemicals, it's important to take the necessary precautions to ensure nail health and avoid potential hazards. Here are some detailed tips to help you safeguard your nails:
Wear Gloves: One of the most effective ways to protect your nails from household chemicals is to wear gloves. Opt for latex or heavy plastic gloves when doing household chores or cleaning. The corrosive chemicals in cleaning products can erode your nail beds, and gloves act as a protective barrier. Even overexposure to dish soap can weaken your nails, so gloves are recommended when washing dishes too. Additionally, if you're handling chemicals in a work setting, nitrile gloves offer protection against many nail salon products, while latex or vinyl gloves are suitable for handling acetone.
Choose Gentler Cleaning Products: Be mindful of the cleaning products you use at home. Select natural or non-irritating formulas that are free from harsh chemicals like ammonia, hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite, and lye. Antibacterial sprays, furniture polishes, and cleaning wipes often contain chemicals that can irritate your skin and nails, so opting for milder alternatives is beneficial.
Be Cautious with Nail Polish: Certain chemicals in nail polish can be absorbed into the body, and the removal process of gel polish can be particularly damaging to nails. Avoid peeling or picking off gel polish, as it may remove layers of the nail plate, leading to brittleness. If you choose to use gel polish, apply sunscreen 20 minutes before UV treatment or wear fingerless gloves to minimize UV exposure. Additionally, be cautious when using artificial nail removers, as they may contain hazardous substances like acetonitrile, which requires child-resistant packaging due to its potential toxicity.
Avoid Harmful Nail Primers: Nail primers containing methacrylic acid (MAA) have been associated with cases of poisoning and injury. These products are intended for professional use only but may be accessible to consumers as well. Always read the labels and exercise caution when using such products.
Ventilate Your Space: When using household chemicals or nail salon products that emit fumes, ensure proper ventilation. Open windows or use fans to dissipate harmful gases and vapors. This is especially important if you're using products containing formaldehyde, a known irritant found in some nail hardeners and polishes.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively protect your nails from the harmful effects of household chemicals and maintain their health and strength.
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Treat infections and skin conditions
If you are experiencing a nail infection or skin condition, it is important to address this to aid the regrowth of your nails. Firstly, it is important to determine the cause of the nail damage. Nail infections can be fungal, bacterial, or due to skin conditions such as psoriasis. They can also be caused by chemicals in cleaning products or nail polishes, certain medications, or severe illnesses.
If you are experiencing a fungal nail infection, you may notice symptoms such as cracked, yellow, discoloured, streaked, thickened, or spotted nails. Toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails. To treat a fungal nail infection, it is recommended to keep the nails trimmed short and to moisturise them regularly. You can also try wearing gloves when using cleaning products to prevent irritation and corrosion of the nail beds. Additionally, consider taking oral biotin supplements, which are known to encourage strong and healthy nail growth.
If you are experiencing a bacterial nail infection, it is important to practice proper hand hygiene and keep your nails short to prevent the spread of bacteria. You may also want to forgo nail polish for a few weeks to prevent bacteria from building up. If you choose to wear nail polish, consider using a strengthening base coat or clear polish to protect your nails.
For skin conditions such as psoriasis, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for professional advice and treatment options. In addition, keeping the nails and surrounding skin hydrated can help promote nail growth. This can be done by using a cuticle oil or rich hand cream regularly.
In any case, it is important to be patient as nails regrow slowly. It can take anywhere from 4 to 6 months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails to grow back completely. During this time, you may want to consider temporary press-on nails or a "shiny buff" manicure to hide the damage while your natural nails grow and heal.
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Take biotin supplements
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient that supports your metabolism. It may also help keep your skin, nails and hair healthy. Biotin-rich foods and supplements may help strengthen your brittle fingernails and improve their growth.
Biotin supplements are the only type of supplement shown to have a possible effect on nail health. However, it is important to note that biotin deficiency is rare, and most people get all the biotin they need from a healthy diet. Foods like liver, eggs, salmon, pork, nuts and seeds are good sources of biotin.
If you are concerned that you are not getting enough biotin in your diet, talk to your healthcare provider. They can test you for deficiencies and recommend strategies to help you live a healthier life.
If you do decide to take biotin supplements, make sure to tell your healthcare provider. Although biotin supplements are generally safe for most people, they may cause mild side effects such as an upset stomach. Do not take more than the dosage listed on the package and stop taking biotin if you notice any side effects.
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Visit a reputable manicurist
Visiting a reputable manicurist is a great way to help heal damaged nails and promote healthy nail growth. Manicurists are professionals who can advise you on the best course of action to heal your nails. They can also offer treatments to strengthen your nails and help you maintain their health.
When choosing a manicurist, it is important to select someone who focuses on healthy natural nails. A good manicurist will spend time consulting with you to understand your specific needs and concerns. They will assess the condition of your nails and make appropriate recommendations. For example, if your natural nails are too damaged and thin, a reputable manicurist will recommend a nail-strengthening treatment or repair treatment, rather than applying gel or acrylic nails.
It is advisable to avoid nail salons or technicians that appear too cheap. As manicurist Metta Francis explains, "it's possible they're using substandard products that require the natural nail to be really rough (and therefore over-filed) in order for the product to adhere." Over-filing can weaken your nails and cause further damage.
When you visit a reputable manicurist, be sure to tell the technician about any problems you've been having with your nails. Ask for their suggestions on treatments or products that can help. You can also request a hand massage to increase blood flow to the area and stimulate healing.
In addition to seeking professional help, there are several at-home treatments you can try to strengthen and protect your nails. These include keeping your nails trimmed short, moisturising your nails regularly, and wearing gloves when using cleaning products to prevent irritation and corrosion. With patience and the right care, your nails can heal and grow back healthy and strong.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 3-6 months for fingernails to grow back, and up to 18 months for toenails.
To speed up nail regrowth, keep your nails short, oiled, and moisturised. You can also use a nail strengthener or a base coat to protect your nails.
To prevent damage to your nails, avoid biting or picking your nails. You should also wear gloves when using cleaning products, as they can irritate your nails.
If your nail is completely detached, there is nothing that can be done to repair it. You should focus on preventing infection and waiting for a new nail to grow. If there is damage to the surrounding tissues, you should see a physician.
