Do you suffer from weak, flaking, and crumbling nails? Do you wish you could grow long, healthy, and lustrous nails like everybody else? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you achieve glossier and healthier-looking nails in no time.

First things first, if you’re biting your nails, STOP! This is the worst thing you can do for yourself. Long-term chronic nail biters can develop nail fungus easily through the cracks and damage to the nail. Biting your nails can do irreparable damage to your cuticle and nail bed, permanently stunting the growth of your nails.

Always wear rubber gloves when doing the dishes, as it gives you a safe barrier between your already weak nails and the hot water. Not to mention the harsh chemicals that could greatly weaken the strength and health of your nails as well. Try to put as little stress on your nails as possible. A lot of people rub the tops of their nails when nervous; this could lead to permanent bends and ridges on top of the nails.

Vitamins and cuticle care should be a top priority! Massaging your cuticles with oil or store-bought creams helps blood circulate and flow, stimulating rapid nail growth. Vitamins can help\ boost your keratin levels. Try taking biotin a few times a day, and you should start seeing a difference after just a few months.

There’s no permanent magical cure for growing healthy, long nails. You have to be proactive and put in the work to keep your nails in tip-top shape. But so long as you follow these tips, you should already be on your way!

Maintenance of Nails

  1. Keep nails clean and dry
    • Fungi are prone to thrive in moist environments. When you clean your feet and hands, make sure to dry them well.
  2. Cut your nail straight across
    • Do not cut the edge of your nails, making a V shape. It will increase the chance of ingrown toenails, especially for toenails. For maximum strength, cut the nail straight across by rounding it slightly at the tips.
  3. Cut your toenails regularly.
    • People tend to forget to trim their toenails compared to their fingernails. To avoid nail trauma and injury, keep your toenails short. If toenails are thick and difficult to cut, soak them in the saltwater for 5 to 10 minutes.

Things to avoid

  1. Do not bite nails
    • It will spread bacteria around the nails and damage your nails
  2. Do not remove cuticles
    • Cuticles work as a barrier to pathogens from outside
  3. Do not use your nails as a tool
    • Such as scratching or opening cans. You may use nails for such things naturally, but it can damage your nails.
  4. Do not dig out an ingrown toenail by yourself
    • It could infect the site and worsen the condition. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, see a doctor or podiatrist to get proper treatment.

The right shoes for your nails

Change your shoes once in a while. When you wear the same shoes every day, the air in the shoes gets moist and warm. By letting the shoes rest and dry out, we can prevent fungi from growing inside the shoes.

The Diet-Foot Health Connection

healthy salad with chickpeas and avocados

Research suggests a direct link between diet and the health of our nails. Certain nutrients play a pivotal role in promoting strong and healthy nails while also bolstering the body’s ability to fight off infections. Incorporating a balanced and nutrient-rich diet can significantly contribute to the prevention and treatment of toenail fungus in Boca Raton.

8 Foods for Stronger Nails

  1. Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon promotes overall nail health by reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
  2. Spinach: Packed with iron and vitamins A and C, spinach contributes to the production of collagen, a protein vital for nail strength.
  3. Almonds: A good source of biotin, almonds support the development of keratin, a key protein in nails. Biotin is also known to improve the thickness and hardness of nails.
  4. Greek Yogurt: High in protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt aids in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the body, potentially reducing the risk of fungal infections.
  5. Sweet Potatoes: Loaded with beta-carotene, sweet potatoes are essential for the production of vitamin A, which promotes cell growth and repair in the nails.
  6. Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants, blueberries contribute to overall immune system health, helping the body fend off infections, including toenail fungus.
  7. Eggs: A rich source of biotin and protein, eggs play a crucial role in strengthening nails and preventing brittleness.
  8. Broccoli: High in vitamins C and E, as well as biotin, broccoli supports the production of collagen and contributes to the overall health of nails.

Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus

If you think you have a nail fungus, you should seek out an FDA-approved treatment with a licensed podiatrist. The best treatment option is the PinPointe laser, which only requires one session to kill the fungus.

Our nail doctor in Boca Raton, FL, recommends this laser treatment. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, it is not painful. To schedule a consultation for the PinPointe laser treatment with a podiatrist, give us a call at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information.