Bruised Nails
is a condition in which a clot of blood forms under the nail plate. The clot is caused by injury to the nail bed. It can vary in colour from maroon to black. In some cases, a bruised nail will fall off during the healing process. Severe bruising should not be worked on.

Brittle Nails

Sign: Extremely thin or peeling nails that do not grow very far past the end of the nail bed.

Cause: Weak nails that easily crack or break are caused by general ill health or a protein deficiency in the diet. Or, by advancing age or extreme dryness.

Treatment: Nail strengtheners and hardeners will protect brittle nails, but polish removers weaken them. If you have brittle nails, apply subsequent coats of treatment over the previous ones, rather than removing them everyday. Rub in a nail cream every morning and night for dryness. Increase intake of lean meat, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables.