There’s a lot of advice online about nail issues, health, and “quick fixes.” Some of it is helpful. A lot of it is not. Let’s talk about what’s actually true.
Not Everyone Giving Advice Is Qualified
There are a lot of products and a lot of people making big claims out there. Some claims haven’t been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Some are based on anecdotes, not evidence. For example, my son has psoriatic arthritis. It affects his nails. Not all nail issues have a simple fix. And not everything can be solved with vitamins, oils, or diet trends. Can keto or whatever diet that’s hot right now help with pain & reduce inflammation so you feel better? Maybe. Are vitamins a good idea in general? Sure. But talk to a medical professional if something seems off. Not a Facebook thread or TikTok video. Not a random direct sales/network marketing/social selling rep (not even me – I’m just someone who likes pretty nails who found the solution to doing them at home). I’m not saying the advice is useless. But I am saying see an actual doctor. Do doctors always get it right? No. But they are more qualified than Sharon selling essential oils on the internet.
Psoriatic Arthritis and Nail Changes
When my son was younger, his nails started looking off. Not terrible. Not painful at first. Just not normal. The pediatrician blew it off. Then when he was starting high school, we saw a dermatologist which led to orthopedic people for imaging which led to a rheumatologist and a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. It took months to get the answers. And the treatment wasn’t a supplement or lifestyle change.
He required actual medical care, different medications (some with side effects), months of waiting on insurance approval and years of treatment before he was able to stop some of the medications.
You can see the difference in the 2 pictures, especially on his index finger. He may have to go back on the medication at some point, but he’s been good for a while. Sometimes nail issues ARE cosmetic. But sometimes they’re not and getting medical intervention sooner rather than later is best.
Another example: Eczema
I also deal with a condition that affects my nails: dyshidrotic eczema. At its worst, I have tiny blisters around my nails, on the sides of my fingers, parts of my palms, around my heels and in the arches of my feet. It has caused deep ridges on my nail from the damage to my nail matrix during breakouts. Thankfully, it hasn’t been really bad in years but other than extreme stress and some perfumes/cosmetics, I don’t know what causes it. Every time I try a new product, it’s a fun game of “is this going to make my eczema mad?”
When I first saw a dermatologist back in the day, he said to change my socks a lot and not to do dishes so my feet and hands aren’t wet for long periods. I was prescribed different creams and ointments. None of that worked for me. The only thing that actually helped? An oral corticosteroid.
TL:DR
Your nails can tell you if something is going on with your health. If you’re having ongoing issues that cuticle oil won’t fix or something doesn’t seem right, talk to a doctor. Some of the things you find on the internet could very well help your specific issue. They probably won’t kill you. I mean. You do you, friend. But probably also get the advice of a real medical professional.
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