- Fingernails are formed under the cuticle and grow out toward the fingertip. Thus any injury to the cuticle can affect the nail.
- It takes about six months for a nail to grow from cuticle to tip, but nail growth varies from person to person and finger to finger. Thumb and pinky nails grow more slowly than those on the middle and index finger. Male nails grow a little faster than female nails. Fast-growing nails are an indication that you are well-nourished, but no single food promotes nail growth.
- Taking vitamins or minerals or increasing protein intake will not strengthen nails. Nor will consuming gelatin, contrary to myth and advertising.
- Nail ridges and spots are seldom anything to worry about. Many people have white lines or spots on one or more nails. Vertical ridges or striations are often hereditary and may become more prominent with age. Horizontal ridges are usually the result of small injuries or overzealous manicuring. Most dark-skinned persons have pigmented bands on their nails. Occasionally, however, ridges and other nail abnormalities are a sign of a serious illness.
- Splitting nails are usually just another version of dry skin. Fragile nails are sometimes caused by thyroid disorders, anorexia, anemia, or severely deficient diets. But most often they are just a nuisance.
- Dryness is an enemy of fingernails. Hot water and soap can dry them; so can gardening or household chores. Keeping nails wet for long periods makes them brittle when dry. Winter is hard on nails, so gloves and a moisturizer are a good idea.
- Another enemy is nail products. Cuticle removers contain harsh chemicals that can make your nails drier; so do nail polish and polish remover. Chemicals in nail wraps or “sculptured” nails can damage nails and the nail base. The fewer compounds you apply to your nails, the better.
UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, January 2005
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