Nails are an important part of our body. They not only enhance the beauty of our hands and toes but also protect our fingers and toes from trauma. However, just like any other part of our body, nails can face various problems too.

From fungal infections to hangnails, there are several common nail problems that people often encounter. In this article, we will discuss how to spot, treat, and prevent these common nail problems.

1. Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are one of the most common nail problems many people face. They are caused by the overgrowth of fungus in the nails.

Some common symptoms of fungal infections include discoloration of the nail, thickening, brittleness, and crumbling of the nail. In severe cases, it may even cause pain.

To treat fungal infections, over-the-counter antifungal creams or ointments can be used. In more severe cases, oral antifungal medications prescribed by a healthcare professional may be necessary.

To prevent fungal infections, it is important to keep your nails clean and dry, avoid walking barefoot in public places, and refrain from sharing personal items like nail clippers and files.

2. Ingrown Nails

Ingrown nails occur when the corner or side of a nail grows into the surrounding skin. This condition can be painful and cause redness, swelling, and infection.

People with tightly-fitting shoes or those who have a habit of cutting their nails too short are more prone to ingrown nails.

To treat mild cases of ingrown nails, soaking the affected area in warm water and gently lifting the edge of the ingrown nail can help.

If the condition worsens or is accompanied by severe pain or pus, it is best to consult a healthcare professional who may need to partially or completely remove the ingrown nail.

Prevention of ingrown nails involves trimming nails straight across, avoiding tight-fitting shoes, and maintaining proper foot hygiene.

3. Brittle Nails

Brittle nails are nails that easily break, split, or crack. This condition is often caused by excessive dryness or repeated exposure to harsh chemicals such as cleaning agents and nail polish removers.

Medical conditions like hypothyroidism and psoriasis can also cause brittle nails.

To treat brittle nails, it is important to moisturize the nails and cuticles regularly. Applying a moisturizing lotion or oil can help restore the moisture in the nails.

It is also advisable to wear gloves while doing household chores and avoiding excessive use of nail polish removers and other harsh chemicals.

Prevention of brittle nails involves protecting the nails from excessive dryness, keeping them moisturized, and avoiding prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals.

4. Hangnails

Hangnails are small flaps of torn skin around the nails. They can be quite painful and prone to infection. Hangnails are usually caused by dry skin, nail biting, or pushing back the cuticles too aggressively.

To treat hangnails, it is important to avoid tearing or biting them off. Instead, gently trim the hangnail using sanitized nail clippers. Keeping the cuticles moisturized can also prevent the occurrence of hangnails.

For severe or infected hangnails, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.

To prevent hangnails, it is important to adopt good nail hygiene practices such as regularly moisturizing the cuticles, avoiding excessive trimming or pushing back of the cuticles, and refraining from nail biting.

5. Nail Discoloration

Nail discoloration refers to a change in the normal color of the nails. It can occur due to various reasons such as fungal infections, underlying health conditions, medication side effects, or trauma.

Treatment for nail discoloration depends on the underlying cause. In case of fungal infections, antifungal medications can be used.

If the discoloration is caused by an underlying health condition or medication, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.

To prevent nail discoloration, it is important to maintain good nail hygiene, protect the nails from trauma, and regularly moisturize the nails and cuticles.

6. Nail Pitting

Nail pitting is characterized by the presence of small depressions or pits on the surface of the nails. It is often associated with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition.

Other conditions like eczema, alopecia areata, and connective tissue disorders can also cause nail pitting.

The treatment for nail pitting primarily focuses on managing the underlying condition.

Topical treatments, medications, and lifestyle changes recommended by a healthcare professional can help alleviate the symptoms and reduce the appearance of nail pits.

Prevention of nail pitting involves managing the underlying health conditions and maintaining overall nail and hand hygiene.

7. Nail Ridges

Nail ridges are raised lines or ridges that extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. They can be vertical or horizontal and may be caused by various factors such as aging, nutritional deficiencies, trauma, or certain medical conditions.

To treat nail ridges, it is important to address the underlying cause. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, avoiding excessive use of harsh chemicals, and protecting the nails from trauma can help improve the condition of the nails.

Prevention of nail ridges involves maintaining a healthy diet, protecting the nails from trauma, and avoiding excessive use of harsh chemicals.

8. Nail Biting

Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, is a common habit among both children and adults. It can lead to various nail problems such as infections, hangnails, and misshapen nails.

To treat nail biting, it is important to identify the triggers and find alternative ways to manage stress or anxiety. Applying a bitter-tasting nail polish or keeping the nails properly manicured can also help break the habit.

Prevention of nail biting involves finding healthy ways to manage stress or anxiety, keeping the nails trimmed and manicured, and using bitter-tasting nail polish as a deterrent.

9. Yellow Nails

Yellow nails can occur due to various reasons such as fungal infections, smoking, excessive use of nail polish, or underlying health conditions like lung disease.

Treatment for yellow nails depends on the underlying cause. If the yellowing is caused by a fungal infection, antifungal medications can be used.

Avoiding excessive use of nail polish and maintaining good nail hygiene can also help improve the color of the nails.

Prevention of yellow nails involves avoiding excessive use of nail polish, protecting the nails from trauma, and maintaining good overall nail and hand hygiene.

10. Nail Lifting

Nail lifting, also known as onycholysis, occurs when the nail starts to separate from the nail bed. It can be caused by trauma, fungal infections, or underlying medical conditions like psoriasis and thyroid disorders.

The treatment for nail lifting depends on the underlying cause. If it is caused by a fungal infection, antifungal medications can be used. In case of trauma, keeping the nails clean and protected can help in the healing process.

Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable for severe cases or underlying medical conditions.

To prevent nail lifting, it is important to protect the nails from trauma, maintain proper nail hygiene, and avoid excessive use of harsh chemicals.