Hair & Nails

NAILS

-How to take care of your Nails

Keep Fingernails dry and clean. This Prevents bacteria from growing under
your fingernails. Repeated or prolonged contact with water can contribute to
split fingernails. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes,
cleaning or using harsh chemicals

Practice good nail hygiene. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers. Trim
your nails straight across, then round the tips in a gentle curve.

Use moisturizer. When you use hand lotion, rub the lotion into your fingernail
and cuticles, too.

Apply a protective layer. Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen

nails.

Ask your doctor about biotin. Some research suggests that the nutritional
supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails.

-Common Problems of Fingernails

1. Onychomycosis -commonly known as a fungal nail infection, is infection of the fingernails
or toenails by forms of fungi and yeast. Fungal nail infections account for nearly one-half of
all nail disorders. In the most common form of fungal nail infections, fungus grows under
the growing portion of the nail and spreads up the finger (proximally) along the nail bed and
the grooves on the sides of the nails. A less common type of fungal nail infection may occur
in those with HIV/AIDS.

-Ways to cure Onychomycosis:

Alternative Treatments and Home Remedies to Cure or Resolve Foot (Toenail) Fungus:
Over-the-counter (OTC) products such as Listerine (foot soaks in Listerine), Vicks VapoRub,
beer foot soaks, hydrogen peroxide, and others are purported to be effective in some
individuals. Home remedies are numerous; tea tree oil, coconut oil (mixed with other
essential oils like tea tree), baking soda, white vinegar, garlic, orange oil, and lavender oil
are only a few of the home remedies. Unfortunately, there is little or no data to support
these claims. Some of the commercially available or over-the-counter products do not
promote their use for nail infections, although some individuals may use them for
alternative treatments. These should be avoided.

2. Beau's lines -are horizontal (transverse) depressions in the nail plate that run parallel to
the shape of the white, moon-shaped portion of the nail bed (lunula) seen at the nail's
origin. They result from a sudden interruption of nail keratin synthesis and grow distally
with the nail plate. As the nail grows, the Beau's lines can disappear.

-Ways to cure Beaus Lines:

The transverse lines can be prevented by massaging nail and hand cream at night for a few
months. Digestive enzymes can help in absorbing nutrients that may be causing dehydration
leading to lack of moistureon the nails.

3. Nail lifting (onycholysis) -is the spontaneous separation (detachment) of the fingernail or
toenail from the nail bed at the end of the nail (distal) and/or on the sides of the nail
(lateral). The appearance of nail lifting may resemble a half-moon, or the free edge of the
nail may rise up like a hood. Nail lifting creates space under the nail that gathers dirt and
debris made of protein in the nails (keratin). As water accumulates under the nail, bacteria
and yeast can also cause the area to become infected.

-Ways to cure Onycholysis:

Treatment for hyperthyroidism and iron deficiency can permit the nails to regrow normally.
Some treatments for psoriasis that are given by mouth may improve nail health.
Oral prescription medicines are available to treat fungal nail infections. However, they have
potential side effects, can be costly and are not always covered by insurance.

4. Onychoschizia -commonly known as nail splitting but also known as onychoschisis or

lamellar dystrophy, is a condition that causes horizontal splits within the nail plate. Nail
splitting is often seen together with onychorrhexis long-wise (longitudinal) splitting or
ridging of the nail plate and these 2 diseases together are called "brittle nail syndrome."

-Ways to cure Onychoschizia:

The best treatment is to avoid repeated wetting and drying of the nails. Try to wear cotton
lined rubber gloves when performing household chores that involve getting the hands wet.

5. Paronychia- commonly known as bacterial nail infection, is inflammation of the region of

the finger or toe from which the nail plate originates, which is called the proximal nail fold
(PNF). This inflammation may occur in the short term (acute) or may be a long-term
problem or one that keeps coming back (chronic).

Acute paronychia This usually appears as a sudden, very painful area of swelling,
warmth and redness around a fingernail or toenail, usually after an injury to the
area. An acute paronychia typically is caused by an infection with bacteria that
invade the skin where it was injured. The injury can be caused by overaggressive
manicuring (especially cutting or tearing the cuticle, which is the rim of paper-thin
skin that outlines the outer margins of your nail). It can also result from biting the
 edges of the nails or the skin around the nails, picking at the skin near the nails or
sucking on the fingers.
Chronic paronychia This is an infection that usually develops slowly, causing
gradual swelling, tenderness and redness of the skin around the nails. It usually is
caused by Candida or other species of yeast (fungus). It often affects several fingers
on the same hand. People who are more likely to get this infection include those
with diabetes or workers whose jobs constantly expose their hands to water or
chemical solvents. Such jobs include bartending, house cleaning, janitorial work,
dentistry, nursing, food service, dishwashing and hairdressing.
-Ways to cure Paronychia:

Acute paronychia You can begin treating yourself by soaking the finger or toe in
warm water. Do this for at least 15 minutes, two to four times a day. If your
symptoms do not improve with this treatment, or if pus develops near the nail, call
your doctor. If you have a moderate or severe paronychia, your doctor may treat it
with an oral antibiotic. You also will be told to elevate the injured finger or toe, and
to soak the infected area in warm water two to four times a day. If pus has
accumulated near the nail, the doctor will numb the area and drain the pus. If
necessary, a small part of your nail will be removed to make sure that the area drains
completely.
Chronic paronychia Since most cases of chronic paronychia are caused by fungi,
your doctor will treat the infection with antifungal medication that is applied to the
skin, such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) or ketoconazole (Nizoral). You may
have to apply the medicine every day for several weeks. You also will be reminded to
keep the skin clean and dry. Rarely, in severe cases, you will need to take antifungal
drugs or steroids by mouth.

HAIR
-How to take Care of your Hair

Get it really wet.

Use a small amount of shampoo. A squirt about the size of a quarter is enough.
Massage the shampoo into your scalp. Don't scrub the scalp too hard.
Rinse really well, until you don't see any more bubbles or suds on your head or
going down the drain.
Gently dry your hair with a towel.
Comb it out carefully with a wide-tooth comb, especially if it's curly. Don't yank or
tug on it, because that can break the hair or pull it out.
Let your hair air dry whenever you can. Hair dryers can be tough on hair.

-Washing Hair Properly

Wash hair sparingly and use a good-quality shampoo. Washing hair too often can
leave hair dried out, leached of its natural oils, and may damage your hair. Aim to
shampoo your hair at most every other day or only twice a week.
Try shampoos that do not contain sulfates or parabens. Sulfates are the chemicals
that make shampoos lather up.[1] Parabens are preservatives that cause irritation
and eye problems after prolonged use[2]. Both of these chemicals aren't healthy for
you or the environment so try to use shampoos with natural cleansers.
Choose a shampoo that suits your hair type. Don't just go for any old shampoo; go
for the shampoo that works for your hair type. Typical types include (but are not
limited to):
-Curly or coarse hair probably wants frizz-minimizing and softening shampoo.
-Straight or oily hair probably wants a gentle shampoo designed for daily washing.
-Coloured or treated hair probably needs a shampoo that's fortified with extracts or
amino acids, because treating your hair is essentially damaging it.
-Dry hair probably needs shampoos with glycerin and collagen to help restore some
moisture into the hair.
Use conditioner that matches your hair type, length, and treatment damage. A
good rule of thumb is to condition every time you shampoo your hair, although very
processed or dyed hair probably needs a little more love than natural hair.
Deep condition once a week. Use a store-bought hair care product, or venture out
on your own and try a homemade solution. Deep conditioning is very good for your
hair. It keeps hair soft, healthy and moisturized.
Condition your hair properly based on hair type:
-For fine hair: If you have very limp hair, try a botanical oil treatment before you
shampoo. Use lavender or tea-tree oil, for example, and work it under your cuticles
before shampooing. Wash shampoo away and apply conditioner from the mid-shaft
down to the end. Leave in for a minute before washing.
-For medium to thick hair, use a moisturizer with natural hydrators. Keep your
conditioner light. Apply conditioner all over your head and let stay for 2-3 minutes.
 Be careful about using hair care products with too much protein. Too much protein
can leave your hair feeling desiccated and brittle. While protein is the building block
of healthy hair, use conditioners that come with balanced ingredients.
Frizz-control serum can be used in small quantities to tame frizzes. Make sure you
do not use too much, and wash once a week with a deep-cleanse shampoo to avoid
build-up, which will leave hair looking dull and flaky.
Rinse your hair with vinegar before shampooing, twice a year. Doing this helps to
make your hair look shinier and cleaner; plus, it treats dandruff. Use 1 part vinegar
(preferably organic apple cider vinegar) to 3 parts warm water, then rinse and wash
your hair as normal.
Moisturize your hair. Use five oils: almond, castor, olive, coconut and lavender oils.
Mix together equal proportions of each. Alternately, use egg oil. Apply to the hair
and leave in for four hours prior to showering out. Repeat twice a week.

-Common Hair Problems

1.Dry Hair - Dry hair develops when your hair doesnt get or retain enough moisture. This
reduces its sheen and can make it appear frizzy, lifeless, and dull. Dry hair can affect men
and women of any age, but youre more likely to develop it as you get older.

Remedies:

Too little oil on the hair may be replenished by applying hot coconut or baby oil on
the hair. Dip a piece of cotton into hot oil and apply this on the scalp. Leave the oil
overnight. Before shampooing, dip a towel in hot water, squeeze the hot water out
and wrap the hot towel around your hair. This will let the oil penetrate the scalp.
Wash hair with a shampoo especially made for dry hair.
Brush hair often and massage with the fingertips in order to stimulate the oil glands
to produce more oil. When combing dry hair, rub a little oil or vaseline on your
comb. Avoid frequent permanents and always cover your hair when going outdoors.

2.Oily Hair - happens when the sebaceous glands on the scalp become overactive. This
means that the glands produce too much oil. In a normal environment, the sebaceous
glands are designed to produce and secret sebum, which is an oil based matter, which
naturally lubricates the hair and skin.

Remedies:
 Oily hair should be shampooed frequently. The hair may be rinsed in a solution of
vinegar or calamansi and water. The hair should be brushed often to spread the oil
on the hair. Refrain from eating fatty foods and drink plenty of water.

3.Dandruff - A white film that forms on the scalp is called dandruff. Use anti-dandruff
shampoo. Hair and scalp should be brushed daily. Do not get your hair curled until the scalp
is free of dandruff.

Remedies:

Just massage 2 tablespoons lemon juice into your scalp and rinse with water. Then
stir 1 teaspoon lemon juice into 1 cup water and rinse your hair with it. Repeat this
daily until your dandruff disappears. Lemon's acidity helps balance the pH of your
scalp, which helps keeps dandruff at bay.

4.Split ends - is the splitting or fraying of the hair-shaft due to excessive heat and
mechanical stress.

Remedies:

Trim ends with scissors to remove broken ends. Hair must be brushed and massaged
daily. The ends should be dabbed with warm oil several hours before shampooing.

5.Lice - The head louse is a tiny, wingless parasitic insect that lives among human hairs and
feeds on tiny amounts of blood drawn from the scalp. Lice (the plural of louse) are a very
common problem, especially for kids. They're contagious, annoying, and sometimes tough
to get rid of.
Remedies:

Use a shampoo that is especially made to remove lice. Having nits and lice on your
hair shows that you are an untidy girl.

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