I think this has been discussed before, but I can't find it.
Does anyone have a remedy for splitting nails? Mine are getting really bad. I've tried everything. From very expensive nail conditioners, to glycerin, olive oil, etc etc, to no avail. I drink a lot of milk (my favourite tipple) so it can't be lack of calcium. Any suggestions?
Hi Constance.
I have the same problem but after taking vit b supplements for some time now they have improved greatly. I buy something called Skin Hair Nails from Boots chemists (their own make). Can recommend.
Nails, as is hair, is made up of keratin and not related to bone (calcium)
hope this helps.
Kay
Are you taking vit D and calcium supplement with the steroids? I have found my nails have improved no end since taking it.
Hi Constance, I may be fooling myself but using along handle dish brush keeps my hands out of the hot soapy dish water and my nails are stronger and longer. I also take multivitamin with iron due to anemia anemia can make bails spoon shaped. I use a clear polish also to protect nails. In Jan. When PMR started again my nails would break and chip like China. They are better now. Who knows if this is really the reason. U hope you find the answer I have read coconut oil helps Pat
No Boots here in Germany! Have even tried stuff advised by the doctor - no help!
Weirdly, I had the bestest and strongest nails in my life whilst on Pred! And that was without any calcium supplements. However, I did up my dietary calcium intake, including daily probiotic yoghurt, extra helpings of oily fish and cheese. Even post-steroids, my nails have remained strong and rarely split, but one secret for me seems to have been a friend's recommendation to use a crystal nail file as opposed to an emery board. Boots sell those made by Leighton Denny - expensive but excellent.
The times I put my hands in hot soapy water are very limited. Getting lazier by the day!! I have a 'lady who does for me' (daren't say charlady any more)! Dishwashers, washing machines, etc etc, make being lazy easier.
Had one of those for a couple of years - doesn't work! As my doctor once said to me "you just like to be different, don't you?
Old Wives tale coming up.
One cube of jelly per day.
Wow! Eat it? Make a mini jelly? Drink it? Added to this, I have a small problem - no jelly cubes in Germany!
What a shame after spending that money. I've passed my friend's tip to a few other friends and they now say they wouldn't use anything else. I take it it was an actual Leighton Denny file that you used? It does sound as though you may need something extra taken internally by way of vitamins perhaps or in your diet to help. How about plenty of oily fish? I assume you're already taking a Vit D supplement which helps the body to absorb more calcium.
Yes to oily fish and Vit D.
By the way - I only paid €8 (about £5.50) for the file. Would that be considered expensive in England? I have no idea what prices are like in England as we left 44 years ago. I have been back many many times, of course, but I must admit I am astounded at some of the prices (especially house prices - they are horrific). We live comfortably on much less over here.
What things do you find expensive?
Constance and Lodger it's not an old wives tale. When I was 14 yrs old, (which is a long time ago) in school we had to do domestic science. It's called something different now. Before our cookery lesson we would get a pep talk on different things and our Teacher was telling the class that jelly is very good for your nails. And in all seriousness I asked her "How do you put in on?" The class went into an uproar of laughing and I couldn't see anything funny at all until teacher said "you eat it Pat" well why didn't she say that in the first place lol. Hope that makes someone smile today
You did Pat, I 
I had always though it was an old wives tale, but you live and you never stop learning.
Many moons ago when I was in my teens, we all ate a cube of jelly a day to keep our nails hard and it worked.
Are you really telling me that Germans don't eat jelly!
They must sell Gelatine and you can make your own jelly in an ice cube bag or tray and then you will get a cube.
Of course they have gelatine. But preparing it sounds like work to me.😡. Next time I order from the English Shop in Cologne I'll try and remember jelly cubes. Thanks
Yes. More smiles from people would be great. I will definitely try the jelly though.
Have a great, and worry free day.
Hi Constance, yes try the jelly, a cube a day and see how you go. Picture the image of a person (me) going about my business with 10 jelly cubes one on each fingernail, what a sight to behold, thank God it never happened.
Love it! 😃😃