With the holiday season fast approaching, salons are getting booked and busy with people glamming up for all the year-end parties and reunions. A glamorous look is incomplete without the magic of perfectly manicured fingers and toes.
Beyond French tips and glossy colors, a mani-pedi session has evolved into a form of art and self-expression. Intricate and elaborate nail art now use gel polish, dip powder, acrylic extensions, as well as studded and magnetic designs, which include whimsical fruit and beach designs in playful jelly-like 3D art, Met Gala- approved metallic nails with chrome accents, or even fool-proof dainty gemstone flowers. Sky’s the limit these days!
Nail art may be a great way to elevate a look, but it is important to keep your nails healthy. Top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) reminds that playing with colors and embellishments shouldn’t get in the way of taking care of your actual nails.
“What may look pretty on the surface may be covering an entirely different story underneath. Our nails can provide us with clues and hints about our health as a whole,” explains dermatologist Sharon Osmena Lim, MD, FPDS, DPSV. “Keep an eye out as changes in nail color, its texture, shape, and even its strength. These can point to underlying medical conditions such as nutritional deficiencies, infections, and possibly even cancer, which will definitely require further attention.”
A healthy nail usually feels smooth, strong, and is uniformly pink with white tips. Dr. Lim underscores that unusual changes in the nails should not be overlooked.
When nails feel brittle or break easily, this may be linked to many causes which can include poor nutrition, fad diets, decreased circulation, or trauma from excessive manipulation during a mani-pedi session.
Brittle, discolored nails can also be the result of harmful exposure to chemicals or even excessive chemicals in nail polish and cuticle removers, excessive removal of the nail itself, traumatic removal of ingrown nails, as well as excessive removal of the cuticle meant to protect the nails.
Unsightly discolored or yellowish nails may be caused by nail polish stain, but it can also signal a fungal infection. Moreover, horizontal ridges across the nails, known as Beau’s lines, may stem from an illness or injury. In addition, dents or pits on the surface of the nail may also be linked to skin problems including psoriasis.
“Discoloration, changes in color or thickness, swelling of the finger or toe, separation of the nail from the nail bed, and pain require medical evaluation, especially if the condition worsens over time or does not resolve on their own. This is particularly crucial for individuals diagnosed with systemic diseases like diabetes, kidney disease and other conditions that may affect wound healing,” Dr. Lim adds.
Dr. Lim also notes that such changes may also be related to other illnesses such as anemia, thyroid problems, and issues with circulation. “While we cannot diagnose a health issue just by basing it on the changes in one’s nail appearance, it can serve as a starting point for further assessment by a medical professional.”
Regular manicures with gel nails and nail art can also affect nail health, the MakatiMed doctor stresses. This is primarily due to the cocktail of chemicals in nail products, the nail’s exposure to the UV curing lamps, and the application and removal processes of the extensions and gems that can weaken the natural nail plate over time.
Some tips for nail health
Dr. Lim underlines that taking care of your nails should go beyond the regular sessions you have with your go-to nail technician. It is important to maintain proper hygiene and habits to keep your nails strong and healthy, especially if you love wearing nail art designs.
“Make sure that our nails are always kept clean and dry to avoid bacteria and fungi from growing, as they thrive in moist environments. A good practice is to use a non-fragrant, mild cleanser and to always dry our hands after being exposed to water or chemicals,” Dr. Lim states. “Avoid frequent hand-washing and nail- biting and picking, as well as using your nails as tools like opening hard containers. When handling chemicals, wear gloves as a precautionary measure.”
Finally, Dr. Lim strongly advises going bare. “Give your nails a break from all the buffing and chemical and UV exposure. Allotting recovery time after treatments can reduce risks of long-term damage that may be harder to reverse – or worse, cause permanent damage.”
For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.
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