Saturday, August 30, 2003
M A I N   F E A T U R E


Nail down the disorder
Parvesh Handa

MANY people are allergic to nail products. Nail polish, hardeners, conditioners, top and base coats, as well as other nail chemicals, often contains allergies. Nail products often cause eyelid irritations when you rub or touch, thin, delicate eyelids with pointed nails.

Never file nails too fast. Always take care while clipping cuticles because cuts in this area are quite painful and prone to infection. Take care that cuticle clippers are always sharp. Always test the temperature of water in manicure and pedicure bowls. Water, which is too hot, may cause flaking and peeling of nails. No detergent, moisturising solutions should be used for the soaking procedure. A rash around the client’s face, neck or nails could be due to an allergy to the nail polish or other products used. Excessive use of strong nail polish remover can dehydrate and damage the surface of the nail. Gentle removers should be used not more than once a week.

 


Some nail plates dehydrate and become rough as a reaction to the polish used. This reaction seems to occur most frequently with synthetic pearlised polishes. Try to change to matt polish first and if that does not work, opt for a different brand. When the nail polish is peeled away, it takes some of the surface cells of the nail with it, weakening and thinning the nail plate. Always use nail polish removers. Do not file the surface of the natural nail prior to artificial nail application. This will weaken the nail plate, and may also cause damage to the cuticle area. Make sure that the area of work, the materials and equipment used, your hands and the nails are cleaned both before and during the application of artificial nails. In this way, the risk of fungal and other infections can be minimised. Avoid excessive use of nail glues as these can indirectly damage the nail plate, making it brittle and fragile.

Swelling of the nail fold is a problem frequently faced by housewives. The condition usually starts in one finger and later the infection caused by the bacteria may cause pain and a little pus may also get discharged from the nail fold. Some times the nail is lost and the fingers may get disfigured. Here is a home remedy to treat infection. Mix one part of isphagula in four part of vinegar and apply to the infected sports. The inflammation will be over in two or three days. Once the pus has been ejected, boiled leaves of neem should be wrapped over the affected area.