Donna P

No your nails are healthy....that's sometimes common with hand quilting. I hand quilt and have the same problems...I use a clear nail polish(like a hardner) and that helps alot. catching the tips of my nail with the needle doesn't do your nails good but the hardner sure does prevent that from happening quite a bit.

moreland

I have that trouble frequently. In the last few months I've battled a skin problem and have used Aquarfor a couple of times a day. I just recently realized my nails are healthier than they've been in ages--It about has to be the effect of using Aquaphor. It is a very heavy body ointment--it is a little like vasoline but more refined and it does rub in better--it feels greasy for a minute or two then is gone. Took me awhile to be convinced it would work better than the lotions, but it really does. Is rather expensive, but it works so I grit my teeth and buy it.

renee765

Your doctor went to the same med school as mine! My doctor apparently was taught that when unsure of an answer, he has three choices:
1) you're too fat
2) you're getting old
3) you're too fat and getting old

(By the way, my doctor is too short and has bad cholesterol. I, on the other hand, outweigh him, and am taller than him, and my cholesterol numbers are perfect. He hates having to admit that. Good round Polish genes.)

mmlctnp

Sounds like your doctor didn't want to be bothered with what he didn't perceive as a problem. Nails and hair reflect metabolic conditions including nutritional status. Flaking, peeling nails could be an early symptom of many conditions. You might consider seeing a dermatologist and having some tests run including thyroid panel (TSH AND FT4), albumin level, vitamin D level (calcium can't be absorbed without it). You didn't mention if your hands are in water a lot or if you are in contact with strong chemicals. Good luck.

meme peggy

Mim, I have had this problem most of my life, however until I started hand quilting it was mild...now...it is awful..I have tried two products: Nailtique, get it at some beauty shops the other one is a nail product by Revlon you can get it at Target and perhaps Walmart or drug store...good luck...I keep my nails really short when I am quilting..even handling the materials when appliquing and piecing does take its toll...my finger tips break open and bleed also...quilting is worth it and I use a ton of lotions. memepeggy

pab

Thanks for reminding me about the hand creme receipe.I had forgotten all about that.It really does work well....pab

quiltinghere

WOW lots of opinions on this subject
If you think it needs another doctor's opinion, get one
then
let's put our 'goop' by the computer and lather up before sitting down to surf the Quilting Board. With all the time we spend here each day we should all have model hands in a couple of weeks! LOL :)

GemState

I read that if you tap your fingernails on a table or hard surface, (like you would do if you were impatient), it helps to stimulate the circulation and strengthens your nails. I try to remember to do this every so often. It makes your nails sort of tingle. Sure won't hurt to try!

stitchofclass2

My nails started getting ridges and now I have problems with one of them breaking down the middle into the middle of the nail.

I was talking to a clerk at Sally's and she suggested that I buy "fiber mesh". Sorry, not sure of the name. It is a fibre on paper and you cut to size and then stick on your nail. They have glue, which I haven't purchased. She told me I could use clear nail polish, which I do to keep them on. The polish is by Sally Hansen and is called "hard as wraps". I have been using this for over a month. The one nail that broke to the middle has now grown out. Whew! You have to replace it often (depending on how much your hands are in water). Probably every few days or so. It is the only thing I have found so far. Good luck. Yolanda

purrfectquilts

Most anyone who works much with fabric will have similar problems. I buy a tiny little bottle at a big price (about $6) at a beauty supply place called Reconstruct made of different oils and used to renew and reconstruct. You can really, really see a difference in the strength of your nails after a short while. I put this around the nail bed and rub it in at least twice a day or after showers, dishes, etc. I also rub plain oil (such as baby or olive or even PAM) into my nails and hands before bed.

And, I like Aveeno for dry skin cream, which is not greasy and stays on until you wash it off ... unlike some other skin lotions and creams.

If I slack off on these things my nails will immediately split, shale and hang nails appear, nails are soft and round over my finger tips, etc.

Best of luck!