Crack Fingernails

If you suddenly notice that you crack fingernails easily or it brittle and it so happen that you are entering the middle age period, this situation is likely one of the menopause symptoms. Some women just live with it and does not care what happen to their fingernails but women that live in a society where beauty and appearance is being emphasized, it can be a nuisance and to certain extent worrying having crack fingernails.

Fingernails are formed from keratin, the same protein that is found in your hair and skin. As such, it is not surprising that if hair and skin are affected by menopause, so does the fingernails.

The first step to fingernail care is by practicing good habits. Your nails contacted countless amounts of material and substance each time you use your hand (virtually all the time). Identifying the substance that can damage your nails and take protective actions will help in reducing crack fingernails. For example, you can wear gloves when doing the dishes or gardening. You can also try using nail hardener for crack fingernails that can be purchased through you manicure salons or drug stores. Also keep your fingernails clean by ensuring no dirt trapped underneath and apply polishing for additional protective barrier.

If you are practicing good nail care, your fingernails should be in a good shape but look out for abnormalities that can be an indicator to other problems. If the nail completely separated from the bed (skin underneath the nails), the body is telling you that you lack in iron or having thyroid deficiency. Thickening nails is usually normal for middle age women but if it excessively thickens, it may be signs of fungus infection. Pitting or dipping may indicate psoriasis. It is also possible to check for osteoporosis, a common risk in post menopause women by scanning fingernails. This simple and inexpensive test checks for disulphide bond levels in the fingernails which tell the levels in the bones.

Ensure that your fingernails and skin is kept moist. Use moisturizers as it can hold water much longer compared to water soak alone. Vitamin B6, C and E can be of help as it can make the cells more elastic and promote the replacement of dead cells. Make sure that you get enough iron, zinc and calcium intake to maintain strong nails. Adequate protein consumption is also necessary to fully optimize your body calcium usage. Talk to your doctor on the recommended amount of supplements that is specific to you. You can shop from pharmacies cuticle cream and lotion that can help fighting crack fingernails.

If menopause is the only contributing factor, you should see improvement in crack fingernails once you undergo hormone therapy. Drinking a lot of water especially during menopause period will keep your body to maintain its hydration and may prevent crack fingernails due to dryness.

Remember that prevention is better that cure, so protect your fingernails by wearing gloves when you are dealing with harmful substances. Remember to discuss with your doctor before you start dietary supplements.