Polish Stains, Yellow Nails and Other Unpleasantries....

Do you ever notice that when you sometimes remove polish, your nails are left yellowed and stained? This is often caused by chemicals in nail polish such as formaldehyde and tuolene. It's a total bummer, I know, so to avoid yellowing from happening, I suggest using formaldehyde free polish (many brands such as Revlon and OPI have fased out formaldehyde and tuolene) and try to avoid leaving polishes on the nail surface for long periods of time. Sometimes using a slice of lemon to cleanse bare nails or using a whitening paste can remove superficial stains, but sometimes stains can be attributed to more than just polish......In some cases, yellowing of the nail (or even nails with brown or black areas) can indicate nail bacteria and/or fungus. Although it can be unpleasant to talk about, Onychomycosis (ON-i-ko-my-KO-sis) or nail fungus is extremely common, with an estimated 2 million Canadian sufferers. It is caused by infection from contact and then moves under the nail, which provides a safe place for fungus to grow. Most often, fungus occurs in toenails, mainly because the dark, warm and moist environment is the perfect breeding ground. Nail Fungus can be contracted by walking barefoot in locker rooms, swimming pools and shower stalls and can also spread to other nails. Unsterile nail tools can also contribute to nail fungus infection. Anything that damages a nail can make it easier for the fungus to move in, such as: An injury (like banging a fingernail with a hammer or stubbing your toe) or Tight shoes that pinch the toes. Nail Fungus can be embarrassing, especially for those who choose to wear their nails with French tips or au natural. If you suspect you have a fungal infection, you should consult with your doctor. Some people choose to treat nail fungus, some people don’t, but nail fungus often won’ t go away all by itself. It can keep getting worse. It may spread from one nail to another, or to someone else. Your healthcare provider will help you decide how to deal with your nail fungal infection. Here are some tips for preventative measures: -Synthetic fibre socks cause feet to perspire more, so try wearing 100% cotton socks instead -Keep your feet as clean and dry as possible. Talcum foot powder can help -Wear shoes that “breathe,” such as canvas or leather shoes -Wear shower shoes when you’ re in public swimming pools, public showers, or locker rooms -Clip your toenails straight across and file a round edge so they do not grow in to the skin or extend over the edges of the toes -Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly and don’t pinch your toes -If you get manicures or pedicures, make sure your salon follows the health standard guidelines for cleanliness.

Vee