Healthy-looking nails are part of an overall sense of well-being.
Nails grow slowly—about 3 mm per month on fingers and roughly half
that on toes—so meaningful changes in appearance can take many
months of consistent care.
What
Affects Nail Appearance
Nail changes are common and usually harmless. Frequent gel or
acrylic polish, repeated hand washing, dryness, minor injury, and
normal aging can all leave nails looking brittle, ridged, or dull.
In some cases, discoloration or thickening can be a sign of an
underlying condition that benefits from professional evaluation.
Fungal
Nail Infection: What It Is
Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) occurs when fungi invade
the nail plate or bed, often causing yellowing, thickening,
crumbling, or separation from the nail bed. It is more common in
toenails than fingernails and tends to develop gradually. Because
it involves an active infection, effective management typically
requires prescription antifungal medication or in-clinic
treatments recommended by a doctor or podiatrist.
When to
See a Doctor
Seek medical advice if you notice persistent pain, swelling,
redness, or pus around a nail; a new dark streak under a nail;
sudden separation of the nail; or if you have diabetes, poor
circulation, or a weakened immune system. These situations are
beyond the scope of cosmetic nail care products.
