Nails

Posted , 12 users are following.

I think this has been discussed before, but I can't find it.

Does anyone have a remedy for splitting nails?  Mine are getting really bad.  I've tried everything.  From very expensive nail conditioners, to glycerin, olive oil, etc etc, to no avail.  I drink a lot of milk (my favourite tipple) so it can't be lack of calcium.  Any suggestions?

2 likes, 39 replies

39 Replies

Next
  • Posted

    Hi Constance.

    I have the same problem but after taking vit b supplements for some time now they have improved greatly. I buy something called Skin Hair Nails from Boots chemists (their own make). Can recommend.

    Nails, as is hair, is made up of keratin and not related to bone (calcium)

    hope this helps.

    Kay 

    • Posted

      No Boots here in Germany!  Have even tried stuff advised by the doctor - no help!
  • Posted

    Are you taking vit D and calcium supplement with the steroids? I have found my nails have improved no end since taking it.
  • Posted

    Hi Constance, I may be fooling myself but using along handle dish brush keeps my hands out of the hot soapy dish water and my nails are stronger and longer. I also take multivitamin with iron due to anemia anemia can make bails spoon shaped. I use a clear polish also to protect nails. In Jan. When PMR started again my nails would break and chip like China. They are better now. Who knows if this is really the reason. U hope you find the answer I have read coconut oil helps Pat
    • Posted

      The times I put my hands in hot soapy water are very limited.  Getting lazier by the day!!  I have a 'lady who does for me' (daren't say charlady any more)!  Dishwashers, washing machines, etc etc, make being lazy easier.
  • Posted

    Weirdly, I had the bestest and strongest nails in my life whilst on Pred!  And that was without any calcium supplements.  However, I did up my dietary calcium intake, including daily probiotic yoghurt, extra helpings of oily fish and cheese.  Even post-steroids, my nails have remained strong and rarely split, but one secret for me seems to have been a friend's recommendation to use a crystal nail file as opposed to an emery board.  Boots sell those made by Leighton Denny - expensive but excellent.
    • Posted

      Had one of those for a couple of years - doesn't work!  As my doctor once said to me "you just like to be different, don't you?
    • Posted

      What a shame after spending that money.  I've passed my friend's tip to a few other friends and they now say they wouldn't use anything else.  I take it it was an actual Leighton Denny file that you used?  It does sound as though you may need something extra taken internally by way of vitamins perhaps or in your diet to help.  How about plenty of oily fish?  I assume you're already taking a Vit D supplement which helps the body to absorb more calcium.   
    • Posted

      By the way - I only paid €8 (about £5.50) for the file.  Would that be considered expensive in England?  I have no idea what prices are like in England as we left 44 years ago.  I have been back many many times, of course, but I must admit I am astounded at some of the prices (especially house prices - they are horrific).  We live comfortably on much less over here.  

      What things do you find expensive?

  • Posted

    Old Wives tale  coming up.

    One cube of jelly per day.  

     

    • Posted

      Wow!  Eat it?  Make a mini jelly? Drink it?  Added to this, I have a small problem - no jelly cubes in Germany!
    • Posted

      Constance and Lodger it's not an old wives tale.  When I was 14 yrs old, (which is a long time ago) in school we had to do domestic science.  It's called something different now.  Before our cookery lesson we would get a pep talk on different things and our Teacher was telling the class that jelly is very good for your nails.  And in all seriousness I asked her "How do you put in on?"  The class went into an uproar of laughing and I couldn't see anything funny at all until teacher said "you eat it Pat" well why didn't she say that in the first place lol.  Hope that makes someone smile today redface
    • Posted

      You did Pat, I smile  I had always though it was an old wives tale, but you live and you never stop learning.

      Many moons ago when I was in my teens, we all ate a cube of jelly a day to keep our nails hard and it worked.

    • Posted

      Are you really telling me that Germans don't eat jelly!

      They must sell Gelatine and you can make your own jelly in an ice cube bag or tray and then you will get a cube. smile

    • Posted

      Of course they have gelatine.  But preparing it sounds like work to me.😡. Next time I order from the English Shop in Cologne I'll try and remember jelly cubes.  Thanks
    • Posted

      Yes.  More smiles from people would be great.  I will definitely try the jelly though.  

      Have a great, and worry free day.

    • Posted

      Hi Constance, yes try the jelly, a cube a day and see how you go.  Picture the image of a person (me) going about my business with 10 jelly cubes one on each fingernail, what a sight to behold, thank God it never happened.rolleyes
    • Posted

      Waggle pudding - it was there in the chiller aisle when mine were small nearly 30 years ago!

      It is one of the things I have to bring back for my friend in Erlangen - a year's supply of proper jelly, Tetley's t-bags, Weetabix and Shredded wheat and fig rolls spring to mind.

      Will we need to start a detour via yours next?

       

    • Posted

      The detour would be delightful, but I can order all the above from the English Shop - plus rich tea biscuits  (husband's favourite,   I think they taste like cardboard) Coleman's mustard, Branston Baked Beans, etc. etc. etc.

      Perhaps one day our paths will really cross - that would be great.

      Hope you're having a rain free day.💐

       

    • Posted

      Rich tea - with butter and cheese! Not that I can eat them now and the gluten-free ones aren't worth it.

      Koln must be far better than the one in Innsbruck then! And the price of their salad cream put me off rather - 7 euros for a small bottle! I don't love him that much ;-)

    • Posted

      How rude of me - yes, no rain and the sun has just emerged from behind thick clouds, very pleasant now :-)

      Where did you say you'd moved to? Somewhere beginning with S was it?

    • Posted

      The E shop IS expensive, isn't it?  Buy rarely there, but there are just some things you miss sometimes.

      We now live in Soest.  A lovely old, walled, town in NRW.  It's on the edge of the Sauerland (a bit like the Lake District only hills not so high).  However, the Rothaargebirge are in the Sauerland.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.