Elegance is in the details.
So we too often forget that the nails of an adult left abandoned can give a very bad impression.
But also reveal small infections that should be treated.
So, if you notice an unusual appearance, head to the dermatologist.
He is the expert indicated to give us good advice and make a diagnosis.
Toenail of the big toe yellowish, or streaked with whitish material ... a priori nothing serious, but it is necessary to consult.
Most often, it will be a yeast infection.
This fungus, which remains very rare on fingernails, is transmitted from one foot to another very easily in contact with damp floors, for example in the swimming pool or in a bathroom.
Consult a dermatologist
"The concern with fungal infections is that they risk destroying the nail in the long term, and as those on the feet take on average between eleven and eighteen months to grow back, it can be annoying", warns Catherine Oliveres- Ghouti, member of the national union of venereological dermatologists.
“People don't care because the feet are far from the head,” she remarks.
Most of the time, local treatment is prescribed.
When the fungus has been installed for too long, however, a background oral solution may be offered.
But not all the pips of our extremities have this origin, so it remains important to seek the advice of a specialist to obtain the right remedy.
For example, for psoriasis that appears on the nails, specific patient management is necessary, because the disease induces a more global inflammatory syndrome.
Thoroughly disinfect this area
And when you start to have pain, beware of infections that degenerate.
In general, painful areas on the fingertips should not be overlooked.
To avoid any type of complication, an antiseptic such as Biseptin is applied to the affected area.
Some ingrown toenails call for surgery "to shift the orientation of the nail so that it no longer fits into the flesh when the problem recurs," says dermatologist Isabelle Rousseaux, also a member of the national union.
Finally, if there is a swollen redness with the presence of pus, and a very strong throbbing pain, there is no question of waiting.
"A whitlow can be a surgical emergency because the infection can go up in the hand or in the arm", recalls Catherine Oliveres-Ghouti.
Beware of dietary deficiencies
Beyond these localized disorders, the physiognomy of our nails can also be an indicator of our state of health.
Composed of the same protein as hair, keratin, they tend to weaken with age and become more brittle.
To reinforce them, one can obtain in drugstore of the therapeutic varnishes, which one advises for example to the people weakened by chemotherapy.
"Certain deficiencies can have repercussions on the nails, when there is a lack of protein, vitamins B9, B12, or even iron, this tends to weaken them", reveals for her part the dietitian Pauline Beriot.
Red meat, but also certain legumes such as lentils, flax or chia seeds, can help increase our intake and thus fight against anemia.
Use varnish with care
“The idea is to combine a source of iron with foods containing vitamin C, such as strawberries, kiwis, or a squeeze of lemon, to facilitate absorption. Conversely, we should avoid drinking tea during meals, because it prevents iron from fixing ”, advises Pauline Beriot. But apart from eating in a varied and balanced way, there is no miracle recipe. "If there is a food supplement that claims to strengthen the nails, you should know that this has not been scientifically demonstrated", warns the dietician.
On the other hand, the specialists agree on one point: the permanent varnish damages, by never letting the fingertips breathe.
"The dye in some products can reach the nail and cause it to turn yellow, so the ideal is to always use a transparent base to protect it before adding a color", recommends Catherine Oliveres-Ghouti.
Moisturize your hands well
On a daily basis, we can take care of them very simply by moisturizing them with the same cream that we use for our hands. From time to time, we can also soak them in a bath of sweet almond oil, in order to soften them before filing them and giving them a blow of polisher. The mere fact of gently polishing our nails will indeed activate the blood circulation under the surface, and give them a pretty pink color. As for the cuticles, these small pieces of skin that protrude from each side of the nails, it is necessary to refrain from fiddling with them or cutting them, because they grow back and are conducive to infections.