When you’re skiing, your toenails and fingernails may take a beating during the winter, but don’t worry. There are ways to cure ski jump toenails & fingernails. Just follow these simple tips!
What are ski jump nails?
Ski jump nails are simply nails that curve inwards instead of outwards. This gives them their distinctive “ski jump” shape. They are caused by various health issues, which we’ll explore below.
Ski jump nails are a sign that something is wrong with your health, although not everyone with this condition will experience any problems. Some people have naturally curved nails, but if your nails curve inwards more than usual, it’s worth getting them checked out by a doctor.
Ski jump toenails and fingernails can be a real pain, but luckily, they can be fixed at home! In this blog post, we’ll outline how to set them using a few simple techniques:
1. Take care of them
First, make sure you are taking care of your nails year-round. File and cut them regularly, and use a good quality moisturizer daily. This will help keep them healthy and robust, which will help them resist damage from skiing.
What you should do once in a while:
First, start by cleaning the nails with soap and water. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be causing the nails to look bad.
Next, use a nail file to gently file down the nails. Be careful not to file them too harshly, as this can damage and worsen them. Just take your time and file them down until they are smooth.
Then, use a cuticle pusher to push back the cuticles. Cuticles can often cause the nails to look bad, so pushing them back and keeping them tidy is essential.
Finally, apply a coat of nail polish to the nails. This will help protect them and make them look nicer. Make sure to choose a nail polish that is appropriate for your skin type and will last a while.
2. Be patient and wait
If you’re dealing with spoon nails because of a traumatic incident, the best thing to do is wait it out. Nails grow quickly, so your nails will be back to normal in a few weeks. However, if your spoon nails are caused by a dietary deficiency or another deep-lying condition, waiting won’t help – you’ll need to see a physician for advice.
3. Get rid of bad habits
Bad habits can be tough to break, but if they’re the result of your habits, changing those habits is a surefire way to fix them.
So, for example, if you bite your nails, use the following tips to try and cut down:
- Start by taking a gradual approach rather than trying to quit ‘cold turkey.’ This will work better for you in the long run.
- Keep your nails short so that there is less to bite.
- Identify what triggers your behavior, and do your best to avoid it. This could be stressful situations at work or at home.
- If you use nail varnish, try using bitter nail varnish to make biting your nails unpleasant.
You may also have habits that put your nails under stress and cause trauma. If this is the case, you may be able to tell because only one or two of your nails are ski jump shaped.
Nail trauma can be caused by many things, such as dancing, running, or walking regularly. If your nails are bending, consider the following two points:
- Try to avoid anything that might split, tear, or lift your nail. For instance, don’t open ring pull cans with your nails. Use a knife instead.
- Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight. This can put too much pressure on your nails and exacerbate the problem.
- If you can follow these tips, you may be able to reverse the trauma to your fingernails or toenails.
4. Improve your eating habits
A diet can improve your symptoms!
Try to eat more biotin.
A diet rich in biotin can help strengthen your nails and prevent them from bending. Biotin is found in many foods, such as eggs, nuts, and leafy greens. You can also take a biotin supplement if you feel you’re not getting enough from your diet.
Eat more protein
Another way to improve your nails’ health is to ensure you’re getting enough protein. Protein helps build strong nails, so include plenty of lean meats, poultry, fish, and beans in your diet.
Get more iron in your diet.
If you have an iron deficiency, this could also be causing your spoon nails. Iron is essential for healthy nails, so eat plenty of iron-rich foods, such as red meat, dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals. You can also take an iron supplement if you feel you’re not getting enough from your diet.
Eat less fatty meals.
Fatty meals can actually make your nails weak and prone to bending. So, avoid overeating fatty food, such as fast food, processed meats, and full-fat dairy products.
5. Make Aesthetic Changes
If your spoon nails are causing you distress, there are some cosmetic changes you can make to improve their appearance.
For example, you could:
Wear false nails or nail wraps.
- Apply a clear or flesh-toned polish to your nails. This will help them blend in with your natural nail color.
- Get a professional manicure or pedicure. Your technician can file your nails into a more flattering shape.
- Use nail stickers or decals to cover up the deformity.
Can you get acrylics on your toenails?
Cut Your Nails Short
If your spoon nails are causing you pain or making it difficult to do everyday activities, you may want to consider cutting them short. This will help reduce the pressure on your nails and make them less likely to bend.
If you decide to cut your nails, make sure you:
- Use sharp nail scissors or clippers.
- Cut straight across the nail rather than following the curve.
- Be careful not to cut too deeply into the flesh of your finger or toe.
Use Nail Varnish and Lacquer
Nail varnish and lacquer can be used to fill in the nail parts that have deformed, making the problem less noticeable. This quick fix is perfect if you are going for an evening out rather than looking for a long-term solution.
However, these changes will do nothing to fix the underlying problem. And again, if your spoon-shaped nails represent an underlying problem, you shouldn’t rely on quick fixes like these. Instead, pick from one of the two choices below.
6. Softening Lotions, Oils, and Creams
You can use many over-the-counter softening agents to make your nails more flexible. This will help reduce the pressure on your nails and make them less likely to bend.
Some popular options include:
- petroleum jelly
- lanolin
- Vaseline Witch hazel
Using a cotton ball or swab, you can apply these products to your nails. Gently massage the product into your nail and cuticle until it is fully absorbed. Repeat this process once or twice a day, as needed.
7. Talk to a physician
If your spoon nails are caused by an underlying health condition, you’ll need to see a physician for treatment.
Conditions that can cause spoon nails to include:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Hemochromatosis
- Raynaud’s disease
- Overactive thyroid
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
Treatment for these conditions will differ depending on the diagnosis, so it’s essential to see a doctor for advice. They may prescribe medication or suggest lifestyle changes to improve your symptoms.
Now you know how to treat ski jump nails at home! If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below.
