Dear Nailpolish,

Changes in your diet can improve the health of your nails. Fingernails require:

• complete protein
• vitamins A, C, and B Complex — vitamin C serves to prevent peeling and hangnails, and B Complex prevents fragile nails
• calcium and other minerals, such as sulfur, iodine, and iron, which is necessary to prevent weak, dry, and thin nails

Environmental factors can also affect the health of nails. Excessive immersion of hands in water with detergents, disinfectants, and soap can harm nails. Cold weather and wind can be hard on nails as well. Protective measures include wearing plastic gloves while doing dishes, and wearing gloves when outside in winter weather. Certain nail products, such as nail polish remover and enamels, are drying to nails. Even nail hardeners (those that contain formaldehyde) can make brittle nails more brittle. Artificial nails and nail wraps can also be damaging as they may contain acrylics and peroxide, which can harm your natural nails.

So, work on improving what you eat and protecting your hands. If you want more specific dietary advice, make an appointment with the nutritionist at Health Services by calling x4-2284.

Sometimes, changes in the nail can also be the result of a nail infection, such as a fungal infection. If none of the above suggestions seems to work, see a health care provider or dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.