Sometimes defective nails are considered fungal because of the way they look. People feel awkward about it and are eager to treat their nails for something that is not the case. However, nasty looking nails can be a result not only of bad hygiene and fungus but also some other factors like the following:

• If you have lines and ridges on your nails do not fret as this is a normal state and majority people have them.

• The condition of onycholysis can change the colour of nails to white or yellow. Under onycholysis we understand the separation of the nail from the nail bed; the color change is evoked by the air that gets in the gap. The best way to eliminate the condition is to trim the nail short, polish and give it time to heal about 2-3 months.

• Red or black nails occur in the result of hematoma when blood appears under the nail. Typical example is trauma like when you jam your finger with a door or hit it with a hummer. The color will get back to normal after the nail grows.

• Green nails may be a result of pseudomonas bacteria influence. These bacteria live under nails and make them separate from the nail bed a little therefore changing the nail colour to green. But again, there is no need to worry: this condition will heal by itself. Just trim the nail short, polish and give it 2-3 months.

• The condition of psoriasis or some skin problem can also influence the skin around nails and nail matrix making it look unhealthy.

• There is one more condition that is called paronychia which affects the skin around the nail making it swollen and red. These are the effects of yeast infection on cuticle. In this case there may be a necessity in some medications like anti-yeast cream (i.e. clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine). They are available without a prescription and will take about 2 months of regular application to help.