5 Myths about Nails

MYTH 1: White marks on your nails mean you're not getting enough calcium.

THE TRUTH: Maybe, but probably not. The most common reason for white marks on your nails is minor injuries, says dermatologist Dr Jenny Liu. You might hurt your nails by bumping them, using harsh chemicals, or getting an aggressive manicure. The white spots usually are harmless, Dr Liu says, "and they grow out as the nail grows." If they don't go away or the nails thicken, crack, or separate, that's a sign that they're caused by something more serious, says podiatrist Dr Saylee Tulpule. Call your doctor, who might diagnose a fungal infection, an illness, or, yes, a deficiency of a nutrient such as calcium.

MYTH 2: Nail fungus is just a cosmetic issue.

THE TRUTH: Fungal nail infections can cause problems that go well beyond appearance. Left untreated, nail fungus can make nails deformed, cracked, or thick and hard to cut. The fungus is also very contagious. "It can spread to multiple nails and develop into a chronic nail infection, in which the entire nail plate and bed is infected," Dr Tulpule says. In older adults, fungal infections can lead to cellulitis and to foot ulcers in people with diabetes. And while fungal nail infections are common, affecting 10% of people of all ages and 20% of those over 60, you can still try to avoid them: Wear thongs or slides in public showers and locker rooms, keep nail clippers clean, dry your hands and wear well-fitting shoes. Mild cases may be helped by an over-the-counter antifungal cream, gel or polish, says Dr Liu. Podiatrist Dr Kate Edwards from City Feet Clinic in Sydney (cityfeetclinic.com.au) suggests treating healthy nails with white vinegar regularly (apply it on a cotton pad and sweep over the nail) and before applying nail polish, as its acidic quality helps create an inhospitable environment for fungal infections to thrive.

MYTH 3: Nail hardener can fix brittle, splitting nails.

THE TRUTH: Nope! “Healthy nails should be flexible, not hard. They have to be able to absorb the shock of everyday trauma,” says nail expert and CEO of Mavala, Doris Maute. “If you use a nail hardener on a hard or dry brittle nail, your nail will break even more. Nail hardener can work if your nails are soft, but the best thing you can do is moisturise them. Just like our skin, our nails get drier as we age, and can develop ridges, which are like the wrinkles of the nails.” Good hand care is essential. Treat brittle nails as you would dry skin and moisturise. A rich cream or ointment that has lanolin or glycerine will do the trick. After washing and towel-drying your hands, apply the cream daily. It's also smart to keep your nails short and wear gloves washing dishes, as “water is the number one enemy of nails,” says Doris. “It washes away the natural oils that seal the layers of your nails together, which can cause brittleness and flaking.”

MYTH 4: Trimming cuticles keeps nails healthy.

THE TRUTH: Just the opposite, in fact. “Never ever cut your cuticles,” says Doris. “They will grow back stronger, faster, harder and thicker. Cuticles are there to protect your nails. The best thing to use is a cuticle remover which gently dissolves them, then roll your cuticles back with a cotton bud - never push them down when they are dry, or use anything sharp like your nails, or a pen as you can harm your nail root and your nail will grow bumpy.” Cutting or roughly pushing back your cuticles can also lead to infection. The cuticle acts like a barrier to stop germs from getting between your skin and the nail, and cutting the cuticles puts this seal at risk, says dermatologist Dr Cynthia Bailey. The best way to care for your cuticles is to keep them moisturised with a quality hand cream or ointment.

MYTH 5: Nails need to breathe

THE TRUTH: Nails are not living tissue. They're made up of a protein, keratin, that doesn't contain live cells, Dr Liu explains. As such, they don't need oxygen. They grow from the nail beds and get nutrients from your blood, not the air. Still, it's a good idea to take breaks from nail polish, nail enhancements and manicures. Nail polish can dry nails out, and dark polish can temporarily stain nails if left on too long. Using acrylic or gel nails less often can also help. "Taking breaks every few weeks can help prevent issues like yellowing, brittleness and peeling, which are often caused by harsh chemicals or prolonged polish wear," Dr Liu adds.