Fingernails and Handwashing

[bitter_betsy, BSN]

So I'm still a student, but I want to get my hands in order before it is ever an issue. When I was a kid I bit my nails. I have finally learned to not bite them, but my nails aren't especially strong - they sometimes tear and bend. I use OPI Nail Envy and that artificially makes them stronger, but what do I need to do in order to help them get strong on their own before I begin all the hand washing and sanitizer-ing. I don't have artificial nails and haven't had them for at least 8 years (its honestly how I quit biting them). I don't have pretty nails (nails are misshapen and uneven because they are so short I don't want to file away any potential length since sometimes it just tears off). I feel like my fingernails are just as bad as artificial ones because a lot of junk can get stuck in between my tearing layers of nail. How do I make them stronger so that my nails won't be a potential issue in my future?

[klone, MSN, RN]

Just keep them short, and use a nail brush to scrub them when you wash.

[bitter_betsy, BSN]

Is there much I can do to get them to stop peeling though?

[NurseCard, ADN]

Have you had your thyroid checked?

[SaltySarcasticSally, LPN, RN]

I have this problem and no thyroid issues. I've tried everything, really. Only thing that works is those shellac nails but its its a lot to get done every 2 weeks. I found a cuticle oil that has helped with the skin around my nails but nothing for the actual nail.

[bitter_betsy, BSN]

Have you had your thyroid checked?

I did at my last physical... I'm due again though. She ran the whole panel and even went back and ran something else. Every female in my family has had issues but apparently I'm still fine. I saw an NP and although I wasn't happy about it at first - I ended up really liking her. I follow a keto diet to manage my migraines and she is the first doc ever to not get on my case about it. She said she is on board as long as my blood work stays in what she feels is an acceptable range. So far so good. My nails have actually gotten stronger since starting keto - now they break more instead of tear, but the layers just peel apart.

[bitter_betsy, BSN]

I probably can't do shellac in nursing school though right - its usually a no polish kind of thing. I'll keep doing OPI and maybe they will get stronger. I just upped my protein a bit too, so maybe it will help if I eat a little more protein too.

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

I've found that my nails have actually gotten stronger since I started nursing. Now I'm really diligent about keeping them short, and when they're short they're less likely to snag on anything and tear at the base (although it still happens occasionally). Whenever I cut or file them, I'm getting rid of the weaker outer bits that are likely to separate, and I'm left with the stronger nail right at the foundation. I know you're hesitant to cut anything off since your nails fragile to begin with, but perhaps you could give it a shot. You might also experiment with different techniques (clipping vs filing, etc.) You could also try multivits. I know that there are certain 'blends' on the market that are supposed to help hair and nails, but I think they're just overpriced versions of your basic vitamins at the drugstore.

I would steer clear of acrylics, shellac, or gel, which are prohibited and nearly all nursing schools and in most hospitals (many don't even allow regular polish). Like you said, artificial nails and permanent polish are havens for bacteria, which grow in the crevices that you can't really reach when you scrub. I agree with Klone, just keep them short and use a nail brush when you scrub (if your unit has them available).