Sweaty Palms or Palmer Hyperhidrosis

Sep15

I recently encountered a young woman who wanted a French set of gels for her vacation. I was more than happy to oblige. As I checked her nails before going under the LED, I noticed that I could see the nail at the cuticle without any product. All five nails! The gel had pulled away from the cuticle or the product was separating. I apologized, removed the gel, cleaned the nail and reapplied the base coat. Thinking, ‘I might not have removed all of the oil from the nail plate.’ Again, the product pulled away from the cuticle. I noticed she kept wiping her palms on the towel. This time, I thought some nail filings was bothering her. She admitted that her hands and feet sweat a lot, all the time. She was my first client to want gels with “sweaty palms”. However, I’ve had many clients that has moist hands or sweaty palms. My mind was racing. ‘How was I going to make this lady happy with her set of French gels?’

This condition is known as Palmer Hyperhidrosis. Excessive hand sweating can be a serious problem both in social settings and everyday functional activities such as opening a door, writing a paper, driving, computer usage or signing your name. These are just a few examples of how palmar hyperhidrosis can affect a person. Many activities we often take for granted.

Normally, your sweat glands produce perspiration that’s carried to the skin’s surface when the air temperature rises, you develop a fever, you’re exercising or you’re feeling anxious, nervous, or under stress. When those factors are no longer an issue, the nerves that signal sweating are put on hold. But, not for those that suffer with “sweaty palms” and feet.

Part II next week

Life Wisdom

Sep1

I love, love this time of year. It’s not too hot nor too cold, just right for sleeping.

As fall swiftly approaches, this time of year calls for changes in fashion as the weather turns. Time to pull out our heavy oils and creams to keep hands and feet nice and supple.

It’s time to start that exercise and weight loss journey before the holidays.

Wear Red, White and Blue

Jul3

Did anybody say Flag??? Not on these nails. Sporty Red, White and Blue in your very own style. You and your Techn can bring out the real Diva in you this 4th. WHAT?

“The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.” Audrey Hepburn

Life Wisdom

Feb18

After all that love was in the air last week, how are we loving this week?

Three questions for you since you might now be in love . . .

1) Do I want to be in a serious relationship, right now or with him/her?

2) What am I expecting from this person or should I expect anything?

3) The words that are used to describe the relationship mean the same to both of you?

Just something to take a little look at.

What are your nails saying about you? continued

Feb16

Healthy, happy nails! Check out the healthy cuticles

Healthy nails are not . . .

Purple nails – When nails turn purple or blue, says Dr. Graf, it could be a symptom of Raynaud’s. The syndrome causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to spasm, and while it’s usually just a benign inconvenience, Raynaud’s can also be an early symptom of more serious disorders. This can also be a sign of poor circulation.

Dark Spots – Those small, vertical plum lines you see running along your nails? They’re called splinter hemorrhages, and sometimes they can be chalked up to a run-of-the-mill injury. However, says Dr. Graf, it’s important to pay attention. “If you see dark, longitudinal lines, those are definitely things to get checked. They could be birthmarks, but if they go below the nail plate, they need to be evaluated for melanoma.” These tiny blood clots are also loosely associated with a host of other health issues, from lupus to heart inflammation, so schedule an appointment to rule out anything serious.

If a dark stripe or band suddenly appears at the cuticle or on in the nail plate, get it checked out.

If any of these apply to you, please see a licensed manicurist or podiatrist for advice.

There are some conditions that may be helped by visiting your pedicurist on a regular basis, not just when you have to or some special occasion.

Think About It: Does your outer appearance match who you are on the inside? You are the only one that can really see you.

What are your nails saying about you? continues

Feb13

Hands and feet colors or designs do not have to match.

Healthy nails are not . . .

Weak, brittle nails – “Ridges and weakness can be just dry nails,” Dr. Graf says. “The nail is made of keratin, so if you have rough and dry nails that break easily, that means they’re getting thinner.” Fortunately, treatment is easy: take 500 mcg of biotin daily. Do not buff your nails, instead smooth with light block or smoothing file, this too will cause thinning and splits if not done correctly. Polishing with nail strengthener (not hardener) will add to the overall appearance and health of your nails. With that said, weakened nails are sometimes a sign of nutritional deficiencies. “Selenium, biotin, and other minerals are very important,” she continues. “If you have weak nails, get a checkup to rule out anemia or thyroid issues.”

Yellow, green, or white nails – Nail polish can cause a slight yellowing of the nails, which is temporary and largely harmless. But if your nails are yellow, green, or white, that may be a sign of a serious health issue. “Yellow or green nails can be indicative of lymphatic obstruction in the fingers,” Dr. Graf says, adding that significant color changes could also be a sign of liver or kidney disease.

This condition can also be due to overlays that have lifted, been on too long and/or moisture and dirt has gotten between the overlay and natural nail causing fungus which will lead to discoloration. This can be dangerous to the future health of the nail and nailbed.

“Basically, if your nails look funky, you’ve got to get them checked out.”

The last of this three-part series will post next week. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Think About It: The more things change, the more they stay the same. —Alphonse Karr

What are your nails saying about you?

Jan26

Healthy nails . . .

What Are Your Nails Trying to Tell You?

Photo: Getty Images

They say, “The eyes are the window to the soul”. But as it turns out, the nails may give us a glimpse of our inside and overall health. “Fingernails should be a healthy, pinkish color,” says Dr. Jeannette Graf, a clinical and research dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. “But significant changes to the entire nail could represent something going on in the body.”

Of course, slight variations are normal and no reason for panic, but here’s a guide to what specific issues could mean.

Pitting – “Pitting of the nails could be psoriasis,” says Dr. Graf, adding that in some cases, it could be a symptom of a connective tissue disorder. If you see small depressions or irregular contours in your nail bed, it’s time to visit a dermatologist.

Clubbing – Surprisingly, the tips of your nails hold hints about your lungs. “Clubbing of the end of the fingers can be suggestive of pulmonary disease,” Dr. Graf explains. Colloquially known as Hippocratic fingers, this condition is easy to identify due to its “inflated” appearance. “If you look at the end of the nail and it’s thick and round, that’s clubbing,” Dr. Graf adds. Other signs of possible lung problems? Longitudinal, linear lesions in the nail bed or blood splinters.

Spoon-shaped nails – Koilonychia—indented or concave nails with ridges—could be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia, according to Dr. Graf. It may also suggest hemochromatosis, a liver disease caused by too much iron buildup. Uneven nails, she says, should also grab your attention: “In the absence of trauma or psoriasis, when the nail is uneven, it could also be a sign of thyroid problems.”

To be continued . . .

If you have any questions about your nails, skin or hair, please consult a dermatologist.

Think About It: Take time to write out your goals. Writing out your goals makes you more decisive.

Holiday Glam

Dec23

Don’t let these be yours?!

Are you ready for those office parties and out of town guests? How are you looking? Skin? Hair? Nails? Heels?

These feet and heels are saying, ‘I’m tied and I’m redta go!’ Don’t put off your services(mani and pedi) til the last minute and act surprised when those feet turn out to be yours. No amount of lotion or vaseline will hide the much needed overhaul. Time is short and schedules are full. Your time is precious. So plan some time for your Holiday Glam. If not, wear enclosed shoes, please.

By appointment, you are next at Dew Drop Nails where . . . natural nail-care is the specialty.