skin/nails - hangnail prevention

[ece421]

I"d like to know what the best foods/herbs/etc are for healthy skin and nails. I eat a fairly healthy diet (lots of raw leafy greens, herbs, fresh fruits, vegetables, hemp seeds, raw nuts, etc), although I could definitely do better. My problem is that the skin around my nails tends to form hangnails all the time. I have had whole chunks of cuticle come off, and when that happens sometimes they bleed. When I changed my diet to a more raw based, it was drastically reduced but it still hasn't gone away.

I have taken to using lotion before I go to bed and after I wash my hands, rubbing it vigorously into my cuticles, but my cuticles keep peeling off. It can be very painful, I have to work with my hands a lot on my job so I would like for this not to happen.

What kinds of foods am I missing from my diet that could treat and/or prevent? Should I take any supplements?

[juliebove]

I too would like to know the answer to this. I am not only currently getting those but also getting little sharp bits of fingernail splitting off at the sides of my nails. Very annoying.

Years ago I had serious hangnail problems, especially at work. Back then we had some grainy pink soap in the bathroom that totally sucked all the moisture out of my hands. I was constantly having to slather on hand lotion all the time. I no longer have to do that.

The other problem I had at work was that I had to file a lot of papers. I think shoving my fingers down into the papers and the file folders was causing the skin to tear.

I don't file anything now so that can't be the problem. But I did get lazy and didn't do up my supplements. I take so many I normally do two week's at a time, but I didn't. The only things I am taking now are a chewable B12 and Ginko Biloba.

[spicyfull]

Could be the Cold Weather, try giving yourself Paraffine Baths for your feet and hands. It is very relaxing and does your makes them both look GOOD.

[Veganforlife]

Water. Up your intake of water and also add oil to your diet. Like flax oil. Also adding sea greens to my diet helped. Bad cuticles are, or should I say could be a sign of a thyroid issue. I found that when I incorporate these - my hands, cuticles, nails, all do well...

Here's a link that also offers some suggestions...

http://www.ehow.com/how_4712324_cure-dry-cuticles.html