With the outbreak of Coronavirus, we are all washing our hands more and more, which also means that we’re paying more attention to our hands now than ever before. However, you may not know, but the state of your nails can be reflective of greater health problems. Dr. Sara Norris, a naturopathic doctor, said “For the general population, nail health is most often an indicator of poor nutritional intake or poor digestion.”
The moisture (or the chemicals) and washing your hands so often (because of the virus) can be causing your nails to get soft.
If your nails bend before snapping and breaking, rarely grow past your fingertips, or split easily, it could be because your fingernails are overexposed to moisture or chemicals, especially now when we are constantly washing or sanitizing our hands. it could also be because of chemicals and products like detergents, cleaning fluids, nail treatments, and nail polish – all of which can impact the strength of your fingernails too.
Water is also the most common reason for why fingernails are bending and breaking. Every time you wash your hands, the fingernails absorb water and swell. They return to their original size once they are dry. That growth and shrinking process — if done repeatedly — can wear down your fingernails and make them fragile. However, if you’re experiencing other symptoms like constipation, hair loss, depression, or twitching muscles along with unhealthy nails, you may be anemic.
Here’s how you can prevent your nails from getting soft and bending:
1.Wearing gloves when cleaning or washing dishes can give your nails a chance to recover. Vinyl gloves, not rubber or latex, helps keep your nails safe from abrasive chemicals and moisture.
2.Sprinkling a little baby powder in your gloves” or wearing “a pair of cotton inserts under the gloves,” for wet work.
3.Moreover, rubbing essential oils and applying a moisturizer after you clean or wash your hands can benefit the health of your nails.
4.In general, weak nails are a sign of a deficiency in B vitamins, calcium, iron, or fatty acids. Taking a supplement after consulting a medical professional may be a way to regain strength in your fingernails or consider a dietary change.
5.Other changes like yellowing of the nails or white spots can be larger issues. Consider consulting a doctor if you spot those. Just like your hair and skin, your fingernails need some attention and care too.