If you notice any changes in the appearance of the baby, then you must immediately find out the reason for their appearance. It often happens that children’s nails are flaked . What to do in this case, not all parents know. They raise a panic, lead their kids to all kinds of doctors. In the worst case, they go to the pharmacy on their own, buy medicines and give them to the children. This should not be done categorically, since you risk undermining the work of the child’s immune system.
Children's nails flake: how to find out the causes of the phenomenon
It’s not difficult to understand why the baby’s nails are flaked. All you need to do is analyze your child’s behavior over the past few days. Perhaps you noticed some features in his usual rhythm of life.
You need to remember the following facts:
- what the child ate;
- whether he had any diseases or abnormalities;
- whether the baby received mechanical damage;
- whether the child complied with his usual daily routine;
- whether the child had problems with the psychological state.
The reason for the separation of nails in childhood depends on these ordinary phenomena. There are several of them, each should be discussed separately.
Mechanical injuries
Such an explanation is most often suitable if the child has toenails, although sometimes the hands are prone to mechanical injuries. Kids are very mobile, they constantly learn something and play somewhere, they don’t sit in one place. Therefore, a child can hit a finger, because of which the nail begins to flake.
It is easy to determine that it is for this reason that the baby is faced with a problem. The nail changes color to cyanotic, then turns purple. And after a certain period of time, it becomes black.
Uncomfortable shoes can also cause mechanical injury. Therefore, if a child’s toenails flock after acquiring a new pair of boots or shoes, you should know that the reason is most likely in the purchase.
Lack of vitamins and minerals
This reason occurs if the baby’s nails are folded at the very base. They may turn slightly yellow, white spots may appear on them.
This means that the child does not have enough calcium, iron or gelatin in the body. Vitamin deficiency is easily treated, but you can not prescribe treatment yourself. It is about the health of a small child whose immunity is very vulnerable. Therefore, you should pick him a good complex of vitamins with a doctor.
Fungus as a cause of stratification
Fungus is one of the most dangerous reasons why children’s nails are flaked. The causative agent of the disease develops rapidly, multiplies and moves to other nails. The fungus most often affects the legs, however, on the hands you can also notice such a problem.
Delay with the appointment of treatment in this case is strictly prohibited. It is necessary to take the baby to the doctor, since only a professional doctor can prescribe quality treatment that does not harm the health of the child.
But remember that the symptoms of a fungal infection in children are different from the symptoms of the same disease in adults. You may notice that the baby’s fingernail has become thicker, its surface has begun to peel off, and then the stratification began. In this case, the very structure of the plate may not change. Consult a mycologist or dermatologist for treatment.
Mental problems
If, as a result of nervous experiences, the baby bites or sucks fingers, do not be surprised if the child has nails on her hands. This reason occurs if the accompanying symptoms are insomnia, frequent crying, problems with appetite, anxiety.
If the baby is in constant nervous tension, you need to reconsider your family's lifestyle, as in the future your tactics of behavior may affect the psyche of the child, causing irreversible deviations.
What else are the causes of stratification of nails
There are some more reasons why a child has layered nails on her arms or legs. They are associated with more serious disorders in the children's body, therefore, they require a thorough diagnosis and treatment prescribed by a professional doctor. The causes of the disease can be:
- metabolic problems;
- anemia;
- deviations in the work of the kidneys and adrenal glands.
Usually, the doctor notices these problems, but he analyzes a number of other symptoms that may not be clear to the average person. Diseases must be treated promptly, without waiting for the manifestation of complications, so do not delay with going to the hospital.
Having found out the reason for the separation of the nails of the baby, you need to start treatment. The first thing to do is to eliminate the factors contributing to the development of the disease. Some causes can be eliminated on their own, and some cannot be cured without the help of a doctor. If you have doubts about the nature of the origin of the pathology, then it is better not to self-medicate, so as not to harm the health of the child.
Treatment of vitamin deficiency
If the reason for the separation of the nails of a child lies in a banal lack of vitamins and minerals, then the doctor usually prescribes children's multivitamin complexes. Most often, pediatricians recommend Pikovit (for children), whose price is about 200 rubles. This is due to the fact that this complex provides babies with all the necessary trace elements, without affecting the family budget. Also popular are Multitabs and Pregnavit.
Usually, parents buy Pikovit for Children. The price of the medicine suits them, so they believe that they have done everything possible to treat the child. However, you can’t do without special nutrition. It is necessary to feed the baby with products that contain iron and calcium. It can be broccoli, tofu, dried apricots, raisins or almonds. Dairy products are also popular.
Do not forget about the external processing of marigolds with vitamins A and E. They can be bought in the form of oil and applied to damaged areas.
Trays with the addition of iodine or lemon juice will benefit. Do not forget that the temperature of the water should be comfortable for the child.
Psychological treatment
If the reason for the stratification of nails lies in the fact that the child bites them against the background of stress, then it must be taken to a psychologist. In addition, the atmosphere in the family should be friendly. It is also often advised to apply a special bitter varnish to the baby's nails. After that, he is unlikely to want to take his fingers in his mouth again.
You must monitor the emotional state of the child, do everything possible so that it is stable, and anxiety does not make itself felt. Try to spend more time with the baby, maybe he lacks your attention.
Fungal infection treatment
Treatment for a fungal infection should be prescribed by a professional physician. There are many pharmaceutical drugs that help to cope with the causative agent of the disease, but if they are improperly selected, a significant blow to the child’s immune system can be inflicted.
You need to do more general cleaning of the apartment and disinfect toys that are often in the hands of the baby. Do not forget about the regular hygiene of crumbs. At the same time, follow all the recommendations that the attending physician will give.
Thus, if the nails in the children exfoliate, you need to find out the cause of this phenomenon, after which treatment should be started.