QuestionI work in a costume shop, and I know I use my nails as tools fairly often. I've never, however, encountered the problem I'm having right now: my left index fingernail is growing out with a rip in its base. I don't remember injuring this finger, but there's a short, length-wise rip coming out of the cuticle just left of center, and it's getting longer as my nail grows. It doesn't hurt or anything yet, but as it gets longer, I think it's also getting deeper. Is this some kind of injury that I just don't remember? Or a nutrition thing? I don't use anything on them, not even polish. The worst that happens to them (I think) is that I work with leather dye sometimes. Should I see a doctor? I hope you can help me. Thanks!
AnswerSounds like you may have either just hit it just right, or you may have at some point damaged your matrix, which is the root of your nail.
I would see a Dr. if you're concerned, but it's either going to grow out and disappear, or just carry on as it grows.
I would recommend seeing a very high trained tech to maybe put a thin layer of gel over it, to see if it grows out, protect it, and keep it from obtaining further damage.
email me at heatherdavisnails@hotmail.com for a referral.
~Heather
