One or more of your nails have lifted from the nail bed underneath The border between your nail bed and the white outside of your nail on one or more of your nails is unevenly shaped A large portion of your nail(s) are opaque or discolored One or more of your nails plates are deformed with indentations or bent edges

Dry, cracked, or bleeding skin Red patches of skin Silvery scale marks on the skin Itchy, burning, or sore skin

Injuries may range from small incidents like stubbing your toe to more major accidents, such as slamming your finger in a car door.

Prolonged periods in water (e. g. frequent swimming or washing dishes) Regular use of nail polish, artificial nails, or nail polish removers Frequent exposure to chemical such as cleaning products Closed toe shoes while walking with uneven pressure from flat feet[6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

If you have an infection under your nail, removing it will allow you to apply the medication directly to the site.

Oral medications should be taken for 6-24 weeks depending on the severity and nature of the infection. Topical creams or ointments should be applied daily around the nail bed and are usually slow to produce results. Oral medications are generally more effective than topical ones, but carry additional risks such as potential liver damage. Follow up with your doctor after 6-12 weeks of treatment.

Oral medications like methotrexate, cyclosporine, and retinoids Topical treatments like corticosteroids, synthetic vitamin D, anthralin, calcineurin inhibitors, salicylic acid, and topical retinoids Light therapy treatments, such as UVB phototherapy, narrow band UVB phototherapy, and excimer laser therapy Alternative, natural treatments like aloe vera, fish oil, and topical applications of Oregon grape

Biotin, a B vitamin, can also help to improve the condition of your nails. Taking a daily multivitamin will help to guarantee that you get an assortment of vitamins that your body needs for overall health. Your doctor may also suggest dietary changes to increase your intake of certain vitamins and minerals.

These drying agents should be used for 2-3 months while your nails are healing.

Let your shoes air-dry thoroughly if they get wet. If you exercise frequently, consider buying multiple pairs of athletic shoes to avoid wearing wet or damp footwear.

Shorter nails will also be less prone to injury or trauma.