The Hello Bar is a simple web toolbar that engages users and communicates a call to action.
You are here: Home / Archives for NAILS

Manicure – How to do it without harm. Dermatologist advice.

December 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Healthy manicure dermatologist advice

Nails salon business is 6.3 Billion dollar a year in the US alone. Nail color has a large esthetic appeal to women all ages. It is helpful to camouflage unsightly nails disorders and in some cases offer some protection from environmental insults.
On other hand nail cosmetics and many of the nail treatments can be harmful causing infections allergies and trauma to the nails.

Irritation and dehydration of the nails due to nails cosmetics:

Many of the nail product s may cause irritation or dehydration to the nails especially solvents = nail polish removers. Others can cause irritation to the skin surrounding the nails )paronychia) , detachment of the nails (onycholysis) and brittle nails due to over drying .

Damage to the nails due to nail salon treatment:

The following tools used in the nail salon may cause damage to the nail bed and the skin surrounding the nails; Cuticle remover, overzealous cleaning under the free edge of the nails, clippers , over use of electric nails drill damaging the cuticle.

Infections;

The most serious threat in the nails salon. Tools may transfer to skin and nails , virus (including herpes) bacteria and fungi. The best idea is to avoid manicure in saloons and if done to assert sterility of the tools used.

Take Home Tips for Nail treatment:

Never use nail polish remover more than once a week.
Acetone free solvent contains acetate which is also drying the nail.
Avoid manicure in saloons and if done to assert sterility of the tools used.

Share on Facebook
Did you like this? Share it:
Filed Under: FUNGAL INFECTIONS, NAILS

Nail FungI Laser Treatment – Current Dermatologist Opinion.

December 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment
nail fungus info and tips from a leading board certified dermatologist

In the last year a few laser systems were introduced for the treatment of nail fungI.

The idea behind the nail fungus laser is the difference in water content of the fungi (70 percent) and the keratinous material in the nails (7 percent) .

The laser used to treat nail fungi emits a wavelength that is absorbed in water heating the fungal cells to 70 deg Celsius and destroying them. The nails which contain less water – heat less – and are not damaged.

Treatment with these lasers are quite painful but do not seem to have long term safety concerns.

The first laser to be cleared by the FDA for the temporary improvement in nail fungi uses Infra red light (1064 nm) to heat the nails.

Clinical studies showing real cure (Clinical and laboratory) of nails with fungus = onychomycosis are very few . It does seem that these lasers may destruct at least part of the nails fungi but there is no evidence for long term improvement. This will require total destruction of whole fungi which seems to be very difficult to achieve with current available lasers.

Adding topical treatment to the laser with possibly once a week oral treatment (fluconazole) may increase efficacy.

Further large controlled studies need to be done to prove advantage of anti fungal lasers over long term topical treatments.

type of lasers for nail fungi:
Pnpoint 1064nm Nd:Yag, 65ms FDA cleared
coolbreeze 1320nm
Cutera 1064nm Nd:Yag
Noveon IR Diode laser

Share on Facebook
Did you like this? Share it:
Filed Under: FUNGAL INFECTIONS, NAILS

Onychomycosis, commonly known as nail fungi

November 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment
nail fungus how to treat

How should you treat onychomycosis, commonly known as nail fungi. Nail fungi is common in individuals over 60 years old. It affects nearly 60% of seniors and over 35 million Americans. The common symptoms of nail fungi include dryness and disintegration of the nail plate in toenails. Cases of fungus infections increase with a person’s age.

It starts off at the toenails and then slowly moves to the fingernails. Individuals that are coping with fungus infections may also have athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a condition where there are maceration and cracks in the foot’s skin. It can cause intense itching and discomfort. Individuals that are in hot and moist environments can suffer from a fungus called Candida. Candida can cause redness and damage around the base and sides of the infected nails. If you believe you have contracted nail fungus, you should consult your doctor immediately before it spreads.

For more  info:

http://skintricks.com/ten-reasons-to-get-rid-of-nail-fungi

 

Share on Facebook
Did you like this? Share it:
Filed Under: FUNGAL INFECTIONS, NAILS Tagged With: , , ,

Ten Reasons to Get Rid of Nail Fungi ;

November 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment
tmannibothfrontR

Nails fungi or Onychomycosis  (dermatophytic onychomycosis) is an infection caused by fungus, which affects the toenails or fingernails.

It is a very common disease of the nails and contributes to about a half of all nail abnormalities. Toenail infections are more common than fingernails. The prevalence of this infection is about 6 to 8 percent in the adult population. Initially, it causes the fingernails or toenails to discolor, thicken, disfigure and split. Without proper treatment, the toenails can thicken so much, that they can cause pressure, irritation and pain on the fingernails when wearing shoes.

Onychomycosis is commonly associated with genetics, advancing age, family history, poor health, trauma, warm climate, suppressed immune system, bathing in common showers (as in gym), and sometimes wearing shoes that disallow air ventilation.

Varieties of nail fungi There are four classic types of this infection: • Distal subungual onychomycosis: invades the nail bed and the underside of the nail plate.

 White superficial onychomycosis (WSO):

puts white patches on nails. • Proximal subungual onychomycosis occurs in the proximal nail fold of a newly formed nail plate. Usually occurs in immunocompromised (with suppressed immune system) people. • Candidal onychomycosis is Candida: shows in the fingernails in people who frequently have to immerse their hands in water.

This usually occurs in people whose nails were already damaged. The variations of onychomycosis other than candida occurs in males more than females. Candidal infections are more prevalent in women than in men. Causes of nail fungi Nail fungi or Onychomycosis is caused by three main classes of organisms: yeasts, dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte molds. Appearance of affected nails The affected nail plate has a thickened, cloudy or yellow appearance. The nail becomes rough and brittle, or it can separate from its nail bed. If the infection gets severe, there is pain in the nail.

Ten reasons to get rid of nail fungi :

1. People with nails fungi or onychomycosis may undergo considerable psychosocial problems due to the affected nail. The person feels that everyone is looking at his affected nail surprisingly.

2. The affected nail is embarrassing for the person when he removes the shoes or socks.

3. If untreated, it can give a way for other bacteria and microbes to enter the body through the infected area.

4. Onychomycosis may hinder with walking, exercising and even on standing.

5. There can be pain and discomfort or a feeling of Paresthesia, where there is a sensation of tingling, pricking, or creeping on the skin).

6. Onychomycosis can result in the edges of the nail become severely eroded. It can scratch or inflict injury to self or another person, esp. during sleep.

7. The nail can be deformed, discolored and gets vulnerable to nail disease.

8. The shine and luster of the nail is lost.

9. Nail gets brittle, thick, loose (nail gets lifted up), outside edges crumble or erode.

10. Nail fungi can give rise to paronychia. It is a skin infection occuring around the nails with painful, red, swollen area (with or without puss) around the nail.

Share on Facebook
Did you like this? Share it:
Filed Under: FUNGAL INFECTIONS, NAILS Tagged With: , , , ,