Hands and nails can take a beating from cleaning, manicures and everyday life. When this happens, fingernails may become weak and break frequently. There are many home remedies and expensive treatments for nail improvement. Instead of plopping down a truckload of cash, try a white iodine treatment first. This clear, inexpensive disinfectant might be just the thing to return your nails to health.
Step 1
Remove any polish on nails with polish remover.
Step 2
Wash your hands and clean under your nails. Use a scrub brush or nail file to remove any debris that may be under the nail tip. Wash any cleansing solution off the nail thoroughly before applying iodine, to avoid a reaction between the chemicals.
Step 3
Dip a cotton swab into the white iodine to saturate it. Run the wet swab over nail tips only. Do not apply it to the entire nail surface.
Step 4
Repeat the application once a day, at night, for one week. Avoid polishing nails during this time.
Tips and Warnings
- Weak nails may be a sign of vitamin deficiency. Take a multi-vitamin with vitamins A, B and D to improve nail growth.
- Do not use iodine on nails for longer than one week. Overuse may cause nails to become brittle and dry. Do not apply or use hydrogen peroxide during the week. The mixture of the two chemicals may cause the nail to yellow. Wear gloves when cleaning or using cleaning products.
Things You'll Need
- Nail polish remover
- Water
- Soap
- Cotton swabs
- White iodine
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