Do you have Finger/Toe Nail Questions?

[tonyswife]

Originally posted by Beth76
Anti-bacterial soap could be the culprit. I ran out in my kitchen and instead of refilling it (just too lazy) I started using my Dawn dishwashing soap. After a few days I noticed my hands were a lot less dry than before. Could be coincidence.

I think you're right! When I stopped using the soap, it helped. When I DO use soap to wash my hands, I use baby bath, it's very gentle for baby's delicate skin.

 

[tonyswife]

I will also try anti-fingl cream if neosporin doesn't do the trick in about a week. Minnie56, you described my problem exactly.

I only ever wear flip flops or bare feet. I wear sneakers to do yard work, that's it.


edited to change bear to bare, don't know where my head was.

 

[Scratch42]

Originally posted by poohandwendy
This can be caused by age or heredity. Are your cuticles pretty dry also? Applying cuticle oil can help.

Thanks! I'll blame it on the heredity!LOL

I'll also start using the cuticle oil! I am also gonna try your suggestion about the polysporin and wearing socks to bed. My heels are not too bad but still find sometimes dry.

BTW, ever since everybody has been talking about pedicures or the lack thereof; that's all I have been noticing! DD and I have a great laugh everytime we go out and see women who dare to go in sandals without a pedicure!LOL

Thanks again for the tips!

Scratch

 

[jenfur]

I have never has a manicure or a pedicure, but think I would like to try both! Does a person have to start somewhere, or would a manicurist take one look at my long neglected hands and feet and send me packing?

I was going to ask the exact same thing! Also, I have natural fingernails, they grow long really fast, so I don't want fake ones. Is it hard to find someone who will work with real nails? I would love to have my real ones shaped the way "fake" ones are.

 

[poohandwendy]

Originally posted by MeanLaureen
Hi PAW - first I wanted to say thanks for the generousity of helping everyone out with their questions! That is a very thoughtful thing to do. I know a lot of people are hesitant to share their professions in fear of being asked a ton of questions.

My question to you is - my DH Obi-Wan Pinobi is a habitual nail chewer. He has chewed those things down halfway down the nail bed. What is a good way to break people of this habit?

TIA

I don't mind answering questions at all. But your post brings me to the next point and that is to remind everyone that I am not a doctor and my input should defintely not replace common sense...and that is to seek medical advice if you have any persistent problem or something that just doesn't seem right.

As to your question, I will copy and paste my thoughts about nail biting from another post:

The best way to quit the nail biting habit, in my opinion, is to keep them filed smoothly, keep the hand moisturized and use a bitter ointment that reminds the biter when they put their hands in their mouth (it must be reapplied after handwashing). Also, chewing gum and mints keep the mouth busy. It is a tough habit to break because most people do not realize they are doing it.

It basically boils down to removing the rough edges at are tempting to bite...they should have nothing to give them the need to 'groom', LOL. And the constant reminder that ther hands are in their mouth. The bitter stuff really is foul, although there are some people who get accustomed to it after a while. Really, this is an unconscious habit for most.

You can also try using cinnamon flavored toothpicks. They keep the mouth busy chewing.

 

[poohandwendy]

Originally posted by my3kids
I have never has a manicure or a pedicure, but think I would like to try both! Does a person have to start somewhere, or would a manicurist take one look at my long neglected hands and feet and send me packing?

Signed,

Confessions of a Spa Virgin

No...she/he obviously will not send you packing. Hopefully they will send you away with results you ever imagined possible! Please do not feel that way, there is nothing more satisfying than improving the appearance of a persons hands (feet) who is self conscious about them, IMO. I began doing nails 15 years ago because I have horrible natural nails. (although only professionally for 5 years)

I am not the first manicurist to enter the trade because I was embarrassed about the appearance of my hands. We understand...

 

[poohandwendy]

Originally posted by Poohbear123
My DH does the SAME thing! Gad, his fingers looks acck! Also, I have a callous on the side of my big toe on my right foot--do I cut it away with scissors, or use a file? Thanks!

Please DO NOT use scissors/clippers or any cutting device!!!! Cutting the skin away should be reserved for a podiatrist and you can easily cause persistent foot problems if you remove too much callous.

Callous is there for a reason, anything that is going to constantly support X amount of weight, all day for years, is going to be calloused to a degree.

The trick is to remove the dead skin (always wth a file) and keep the good callous behind. The skin should feel smooth but it will always be thicker where the callous is.

Hope that helps!

 

[poohandwendy]

Originally posted by katerkat
Mine's fairly random - how do you pick a good manicurist? I've won some and lost some over the past couple of years. Usually pick them randomly from the phone book, since very few of the people I know actually go.

Well, word of mouth really is the most consistent way to find a good manicurist, but if that isn't available...

I recommend actually stopping at the salon to have a look around if you are interested in making an appt. Just say you were in the area and would like to talk to the manicurist. They should be state licensed, friendly and willing to discuss any concerns and show you around. Their desk/station should be clean and they should be able to describe how they disinfect their tools and what products they use. Personality is important, IMO. If they are standoffish, you really don't want to spend time there. Someone touching you for up to an hour is too personal for someone you feel uncomfortable to talk to. You are paying them...if they cannot take the time to make you feel comfortable, go elsewhere.

 

[poohandwendy]

Originally posted by Beth76
Anti-bacterial soap could be the culprit. I ran out in my kitchen and instead of refilling it (just too lazy) I started using my Dawn dishwashing soap. After a few days I noticed my hands were a lot less dry than before. Could be coincidence.

Antibacterial hand soap is the root of all evil...Just kidding, it seriously is a problem for dry skin.

EVERYONE should have hand lotion at every sink in their home. I also find that people do NOT rinse their hands thoroughly enough. These 2 things make a huge difference when you have dry skin.

 

[poohandwendy]

Originally posted by jenfur
Also, I have natural fingernails, they grow long really fast, so I don't want fake ones. Is it hard to find someone who will work with real nails? I would love to have my real ones shaped the way "fake" ones are.

Lucky you!!!! A good manicurist will definitely work with natural nails. As a matter of fact, I do not recommend going to anyone who ONLY does acrylic/gels or ''enhancements''. A well rounded manicurist is one who is concerned with ALL aspects of nail/hand/foot care. Because even if a client has enhancements, they do have natural nails underneath. My clientele is about 50/50 natural vs enhancement.


Yes, they can give you the ''fake'' shape, no problem ...

 

[poohandwendy]

I just wanted to add a few thoughts about dry skin problems:


Lotions, creams and 'moisturizers' do not ADD moisture to skin, they hold moisture in/protect. So, always remember to apply these creams while your hands/feet are moist (after showering/washing).

Also, briskly rubbing the skin with a towel causes small tears in the skin that dry out and stick up (especially noticeable in the winter time on your knuckles)...ever snag your pantyhose with dry hands?

Also, working in the dirt (yard work)...ok... anyone ever use a mud mask on your face? It removes oil...same thing soil does to hands and feet. If you cannot bear using garden gloves...be sure to use lotion more often.

Be gentle with yourhands. Warm water, not hot. Rinse thoroughly. Pat dry, do not rub. ALWAYS immediately apply lotion.

I know it seems like lots of effort. But, it really doesn't take more time to do these things, just a different approach to your routine.

 

[my3kids]

You are so nice to help all of us. Thank you so very much.

 

[MaryJ]

How about thick toe nails? I have one that is quite thick and actually gets sore if I let it get too long. I think it may be some sort of nail fungus, but my podiatrist says it isn't bad enough for the pills they have for that now. Last winter I read that Vicks Vaporub can help, but since I'm going for a pedicure today (in anticipation of my DD's wedding this weekend) I don't know if I can use the Vicks over the polish. Any suggestions?

 

[poohandwendy]

Originally posted by MaryJ
How about thick toe nails? I have one that is quite thick and actually gets sore if I let it get too long. I think it may be some sort of nail fungus, but my podiatrist says it isn't bad enough for the pills they have for that now. Last winter I read that Vicks Vaporub can help, but since I'm going for a pedicure today (in anticipation of my DD's wedding this weekend) I don't know if I can use the Vicks over the polish. Any suggestions?

Did the podiatrist actually take samples to test it for a fungal infection? Is the toe nail different in consistency/color than the other nails? If he is sure that you have a fungal infection, you really should not be getting a pedicure.

I cannot perform a pedicure on someone who has signs of a fungal infection because I risk contaminating myself and others.

I have not heard anything about Vicks, but I know that in very minor infections, applying OTC anti fungal creams can eliminate the problem.

I have also heard several people say that daily foot baths with a cup of bleach added have helped. But, I cannot say for certain.

I would suggest a follow up visit with your Podiatrist to discuss treatment.

 

[Poohbear123]

Thanks for your answer, I will file next time.

 

[Aimeedyan]

My turn! My turn!

I have horrible hangnails and cuticles... I bite them, but not my nail... just the skin around it, because its dry and becomes an annoying hangnail. I get them all the way around the nail, and some really hurt.

I bought some Nail and Cuticle Balm from Avon that I just started using... it says to rub it gently over the area in a circular pattern. Will that help things? How can I get the hangnails and such to stop? They look gross, and often hurt and bleed.

My dad also struggles with these, so I'm sure its genetic in someway. What else can I do?

THANKS!

 

[debster812]

Ooh Me Too. Me Too.

Poohandwendy, thanks so much for doing this for us.

I was a chronic nail biter for years and years. I *think* I have finally kicked the habit. (Yay, me!). But now, my nails are VERY thin, kind of brittle, and peel and tear. I try to keep them polished, but I can never seem to keep the polish on more than a day or two before it starts chipping and peeling off.

I had artificial nails for about 6 months, but gave them up to finance my Disney Fund

Anything specific I can use to help them out, or are regular manicures the way to go?

Thanks

Debbie

 

[caitycaity]

hey poohandwendy, thanks for this thread. i am a manicure/pedicure virgin as well and i have never gone because i am nervous about it. i'm sure i will be a lurker on this thread.