What Do I Do When My Nails Are Frozen?

The cold weather always brings on a smattering of cold, weak, dry nails, which is, of course, the opposite of what you want. Nails feel gritty, brittle, and less hydrated than they did just a few weeks ago. Commonly, frozen, or frozen-dry nails may break, stretch, or need to be removed, which in turn makes it harder to repair them later. Here’s what you need to know to avoid such conditions:

Talk With Your Doctor

If you’re an existing cold-weather nail user, speak with your doctor or nail technician about possible skin- and joint-related issues. A sudden, extreme change in temperature can lead to an influx of redness and pain.

If you have frequent or severe cold, dry-skin issues, like cracked toes, call your dermatologist to check for a possible cold-weather rash. She or he will recommend how to keep your joints hydrated. They may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers, which will help alleviate soreness and breakage. Treat Your Teeth and Mouth

Wear extra socks when you’re having cold, dry-type feet and neck. And always keep your hands warm and dry as much as possible. Do this by wrapping a scarf around your wrists and hand as a winter hand warmer, and pairing it with a warm blanket on your coat. Exercising might also help you lose extra water weight, especially if you’re going for a long walk.

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Banish Excess moisture

Excess moisture can contribute to dry, cracked, split, and broken nail. Before the cold weather hits, find ways to diminish, reduce, or remove excess moisture in your hair.

If you have excessive humidity, try products specifically designed to dry your hair more effectively, such as nylon or silicone dehumidifiers. You can also dry your hair with harsh heat machines. But if your hair is delicate, try using a flat iron.

If you have psoriasis, for example, moisturize with steroid creams to prevent dry skin from worsening. Baking soda or potting soil in your water is a great way to clear out buildup of minerals such as calcium. When you let liquid water evaporate, you can sink your roots into the soil for this necessary moisture fixing.

When you give your skin and hair an extra boost, you’ll improve overall health, reduce inflammation, and your skin and scalp will be in better shape. Apply a light-weight moisturizer to prevent dryness, and moisturize the skin between uses. Exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin. To avoid split, cracked, and broken nail, use a humidifier to help increase moisture in your home, and change your hair conditioner at least once a week.

When it comes to your nails, just a few simple changes can make all the difference. Better equipped to handle your hands and toes, you’ll have less time spent inside when your fingers are cold, and you’ll feel better over the long term.