Nail-it produces a protective and stabilising film on the nail surface following application.

Nail-it dries very quickly, leaving an invisible and odourless film that protects and stabilises the nail.

If used regularly, Nail-it protects finger and toe-nails, thus helping them to keep healthy.

What nails are for: A nail is a protective plate designed to protect the delicate tips of the fingers and toes. Nails are made from keratin a main component of the skin, a protein that is fragile, fibrous and particularly sensitive to humidity. By working together with mineral salts, vitamins, amino acids, fats and water it gives elasticity flexibility and strength to the nails.

How nails grow: Nails are hard keratin formations, formed from a thin layer (0.5 - 0.7 mm) of dead skin cells. These cells are constantly produced from the nail matrix — the nail growing area at the base of the nail. The nail slowly grows towards the tip of the finger or toe and protects the nail bed below, which is crossed by many blood vessels and nerves. Nail growth differs from person to person, but healthy nails grow approximately 0.5 - 1.2 mm a week.

Healthy nails: Healthy nails are smooth, without flaws, holes or ridges and have an important protective function for the very sensitive tips of the fingers and toes.

Nail imperfections: Nail imperfections are common and have many different causes. More than 50% are caused by fungal infections (mycosis). Some conditions can affect nails e.g. psoriasis or diabetes. There are also physical reasons for nail damage: frequent hand washing or wearing tight footwear. Chemicals such as detergents or the solvents in nail varnish remover can be damaging.

Unhealthy nails may look white or yellowish in colour and may also have holes, ridges, splits or be crumbly. Sometimes a nail can tear off.

If you are worried about nail damage, it is advisable to talk to your GP or pharmacist about possible causes.

Various factors may cause nail problems:

• Physical reasons for example injuries to the nail, biting or chewing the nails, pressure on the nail due to tight or inadequate footwear and humidity or excessive heat
  
• Chemicals for example detergents or solvents in nail varnish remover which can alter the nail proteins
• Fungal infections picked up from changing room floors or areas around swimming pools - you may be more at risk if you have diabetes or have had another fungal infection such as athlete's foot

Nail-it helps to keep your nails healthy: It usually takes 6 months to grow a new, healthy finger nail and as long as 12 months for a toenail. For this reason the treatment of nail imperfections may take a long time. If used regularly, Nail-it protects finger and toe nails, thus helping them to keep healthy.

Properties: Nail-it produces a protective and stabilising film on the nail surface following application. Nail-it contains hydroxypropylchitosan, ethanol, water and piroctone olamine (0ctopirox®).

Hydroxypropylchitosan is a water soluble polymer of natural origin that actively binds with the nail's keratin matrix providing a strengthening action.

Ethanol evaporates quickly to leave an elastic and opaque film on the nail. Once applied to the nail, Nail-it  dries quickly forming a protective film that has a barrier effect against microbiological, chemical and physical agents. The lacquer penetrates through the nail to stabilise the nail structure and level the nail surface.

UD/11 2007

How to use Nail-it:

• Wash and dry the affected nail(s) and apply it every day using the small brush attached to the screw top
• Apply a thin layer of the product across the whole nail, on intact skin nearby and under the end of the nail
• It dries very quickly, leaving an invisible and odourless film that protects and stabilises the nail
• The film is soluble in water, therefore it should be used after nail washing and drying, preferably before you go to bed
• May be used under a cosmetic, coloured nail varnish to help protect nails from the damaging action of nail varnish removers and also to further improve the appearance of a discoloured nail - the product should not be applied to open wounds

Components: Hydroxypropylchitosan, purified water, ethanol.

Preservative agent: Piroctone olamine (Octopirox®) 0.5%.

Warning:

• For external use only - not to be taken internally
• Don't use on open wounds
• Inflammable
• Close the bottle immediately after use to prevent evaporation of contents
• Do not use if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the ingredients
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children

Possible side effects: In very rare cases, mild skin irritation may occur at the application site.

• Keep your finger and toe nails short and clean
• Do not bite or chew your nails
• Avoid wearing tight footwear
• Avoid walking barefoot around public swimming pools, changing rooms, saunas etc
• Dry your feet thoroughly, particularly between the toes
• Wash towels and socks at a high temperature (60-95°C)