Comprender las causas de la descamación de las uñas y encontrar soluciones
Your nails are not just an accessory; they can provide valuable insights into your overall health. Healthy nails are strong, smooth, and free from peeling and flaking. However, if you notice your nails becoming weak, brittle, and or showing signs of nail peeling, it might be an indication that something is going on inside your body.
In this article, we will delve into the common reasons why nails peel and flake, explore how to address these issues, and understand when it’s time to seek professional advice from a dermatologist or medical hand specialist. By understanding the causes and implementing appropriate care, you can achieve stronger and healthier nails.
First let us define different kinds of nail plate delamination (peeling)
Se trata de una deslaminación normal causada por el uso de las uñas como herramientas o quizá por coger una placa de uñas que ya está partida en un pelo. Esto es bastante fácil de arreglar con buenos productos profesionales y prestando atención al mantenimiento de las uñas.
Here we see 3 thin layers of ‘normal’ delamination (nail peeling) caused by a fracture in the nail plate layers from normal wear & tear maybe the hands in & out of water a lot, the shrinkage of the nail plate when it dries out causes the fractures to become bigger and the nail plate just unravels
Then there is a chronic delamination usually caused by psoriasis affecting the middle nail matrix. This is called onychoschizis. Onychoschizis is notoriously difficult to handle.
Onychoschizis happens when the middle layers of the nail plate are no longer bound together. We see this often when the middle matrix is affected by psoriasis, the nail plate cells are not bound together properly so the nail plate literally splits in half horizontally.
- Las flechas azules muestran que la mitad superior de la placa ungueal está completamente suelta.
- The orange arrows show the lower half of the nail plate that is now completely unstable, its almost impossible to put an artificial nail product on this and keep it from lifting
Esta es una condición difícil de tratar en el salón, incluso con los productos profesionales más increíbles en el mercado, pero es difícil de tratar porque las capas son independientes unas de otras y están en perpetuo movimiento.
- La flecha gris muestra que se está tirando del PNF junto con la placa ungueal en crecimiento
- The red dots show area of skin layer damage – maybe from pulling the skin
- The pink arrow shows the cuticle on the nail plate
- La flecha azul el primer escupitajo en la placa ungueal
- Las flechas naranjas muestran el resto de la placa ungueal
- The green arrow shows the fracture at the free edge from some kind of trauma
With a little love, coaching, oil & lotion we can recover this nail unit well.
Placas de clavos con reborde con delaminación de la capa superior
Estas placas ungueales son defectuosas desde el momento en que nacen las células de la placa ungueal y cuanto más viejas se hacen más se deshacen, esto es común cuando hay surcos en la placa ungueal. Limar la superficie para alisarla no es la solución, esto hará que toda la placa ungueal se vuelva inestable. Necesitamos reconectar las capas superiores, hay productos profesionales en el mercado que pueden hacer esto muy bien y el mantenimiento de las uñas con aceites y lociones es esencial.
El papel del agua en la descamación de las uñas
Una de las causas más comunes de la descamación de las uñas es el mojado y secado repetidos de las manos. Si trabajas en profesiones que requieren mojarse las manos con frecuencia, como la peluquería, la limpieza del hogar o el trabajo en bares, tus uñas pueden volverse más susceptibles a la descamación.
When your nails are frequently exposed to water, they absorb moisture, causing the nail plate to swell. As a result, the nail becomes soft and vulnerable to damage from minimal trauma. When the nails harden they compress, this causes small cracks in the structure of the nail plate over time this repetition of softening and hardening causes the nail plate structure to fracture and pealing and splitting is the result. To prevent this, consider wearing gloves while doing dishes or any other activity involving prolonged contact with water. After washing your hands, make sure to dry them thoroughly and apply a quality nail oil and hand cream to replenish lost moisture.
Los peligros de pulirse las uñas en exceso
While buffing your nails can create a smooth and polished appearance, excessive buffing has detrimental effects on your nail plates and their health in general.
Buffing your nail plates removes the most valuable layer of the nail plate – remember we talked about the upper layer of the nail plate being similar to the roof tiles on your house, removing them is insanity and doing that before the rain comes is total madness.
Always try to refrain from buffing your nail plates, if you want your nails to ‘look‘ healthy then make them healthy. Use a simple capa base uñas varnish to provide a ‘healthy looking shine.
Productos químicos agresivos
The chemicals present in some nail products, like adhesive for gel or acrylic nails, as well as ingredients in hand soaps, sanitizers, and laundry detergents, can also contribute to peeling nails. These chemicals can strip the nails of their natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness and peeling. Opt for products that contain milder or natural chemical agents that are less harsh on the nails.
Romper con los malos hábitos: Cómo el traumatismo ungueal conduce a la descamación de las uñas
Engaging in certain habits or activities that put stress on your nails can cause them to peel. For example, picking at polish, morderse las uñaso utilizarlas para abrir objetos puede alterar la adhesión entre las células de la uña, provocando su descamación.
To prevent nail trauma, avoid aggressive polish removal methods and instead use the remover recommended by your product supplier. A professional nail strengthener will really help but to maintain the quality after application nail maintenance with a good quality nail oil and hand lotion containing Ureum & Allantoïne is essential.
Deficiencia de nutrientes
Your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy nails. Peeling nails have been associated with nutrient deficiencies, such as low levels of calcium, iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins like biotin. These essential nutrients contribute to the growth and strength of the nail’s keratin, the protein responsible for nail tissue.
Para subsanar las carencias de nutrientes, concéntrese en consumir una dieta equilibrada rica en frutas, verduras y proteínas magras. Si es necesario, consulte a su médico para determinar si es necesario tomar suplementos para satisfacer sus necesidades nutricionales.
Bebe mucha agua.
Problemas de tiroides
Los trastornos tiroideos también pueden afectar a la salud de las uñas. Una tasa de renovación lenta de la piel y las uñas causada por una enfermedad tiroidea puede hacer que el tejido ungueal envejecido permanezca durante más tiempo. Como resultado, las uñas se vuelven quebradizas y propensas a pelarse.
Si experimenta otros síntomas asociados a problemas de tiroides, como cambios de peso, ansiedad, fatiga o niebla cerebral, considere la posibilidad de consultar a un profesional sanitario. Los análisis de sangre y un examen exhaustivo pueden ayudar a diagnosticar y tratar cualquier problema relacionado con el tiroides.
Uñas descamadas y onicomicosis: Entendiendo la conexión
Onicomicosis, a fungal infection of the nail, is another potential cause of peeling nails. In addition to peeling, you may notice thickening of the nails and white or yellow-brown discoloration. If you suspect a fungal infection, consult a medical hand specialist or a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Fungal infections can be challenging to treat, and your dermatologist can recommend oral antifungal medication to promote nail healing. Again, nail maintenance products are important.
Eccema de manos
Skin conditions like eczema can also affect the health of your nails, leading to peeling. Eczema can cause dry and flaky skin on the hands, with red inflamed areas that are prone to cracks and fissures, causing intense itching and burning.
To prevent nail peeling due to eczema, ensure you manage the symptoms by keeping the skin on your hands hydrated with a suitable moisturizer. Regular moisturization can help soothe eczema-related inflammation and create a protective barrier for the nails. Look for moisturizers that are gentle and formulated specifically for sensitive skin to avoid further irritation.
Along with Eczema, Psoriasis or Alopecia can also cause nail problems. The reason that these skin conditions can affect your nails is that the nail matrix is also created by the same Adult Stem Cells that create your skin.
Falta de exfoliación
Exfoliation plays a vital role in maintaining healthy nails. Just as dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of your skin, the nail is also composed of layers of dead nail cells. Without proper exfoliation, these dead cells can build up and nails it will look like you are peeling.
Cuándo acudir a un profesional para tratar la descamación persistente de las uñas
While peeling nails are a common issue and often not a cause for concern, there are instances where seeking professional help is necessary. If you have tried home remedies and your nails are not improving, or if peeling occurs suddenly and persists despite your nail salon or podiatrists efforts, it could be advisable to consult a medical hand specialist, dermatologist or primary care physician.
Consejos para unas uñas más fuertes y sanas
- Mantenga una dieta equilibrada rica en nutrientes esenciales, como calcio, hierro, vitamina D y biotina, para favorecer el crecimiento sano de las uñas.
- Evita pulirte las uñas y utiliza una crema hidratante o un aceite de uñas para retener la humedad.
- Protege tus uñas de traumatismos y evita hábitos como hurgarse o morderse las uñas.
- Mantenga las manos y las uñas secas siempre que sea posible y utilice guantes durante las actividades que impliquen una exposición prolongada al agua.
- Si sospecha una infección por hongos u otra afección cutánea, solicite evaluación y tratamiento profesionales.
- Nail maintenance and care is essential for healthier nail growth. Use quality nail care oils and lotions. Avoid extra additives in your nail products such as artificial colours or perfumes
- Be patient and consistent with your nail care routine, as it may take time to see improvements in nail health.
En conclusión: Cultivar unas uñas sanas y superar los retos de la descamación de uñas
La descamación de las uñas puede ser molesta, pero con los cuidados y la atención adecuados se puede recuperar su fuerza y salud. Conociendo las posibles causas e introduciendo los cambios adecuados en tu estilo de vida, podrás conseguir unas uñas más fuertes y resistentes.
If you are uncertain about the underlying cause of your nail issues or if your nails are not responding to home remedies, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. A medical hand specialist can help with home care advice and professional treatment. A dermatologist can help identify any underlying health conditions and provide tailored recommendations for your specific needs.
Recuerda que tus uñas son un reflejo de tu salud general, y cuidarlas va más allá de la estética. Con el cuidado y la atención adecuados, puedes disfrutar de unas uñas sanas y bonitas que complementen tu bienestar general.
