Treating Minor Beauty Injuries

A Fungal Infection From a Pedicure

The Rx: Fungal infections produce a diffuse yellowish or white discoloration and can cause nails to separate from the nail beds or become thick and start to crumble. Trim your nails short. Apply an antifungal cream (such as Lamisil or Lotrimin) on the tops, under the edges, and around the cuticles of the infected nails, says Stephen Mandy, a dermatologist in South Miami Beach, Florida. If these measures don't help after a month, see your doctor. She may prescribe an oral antifungal drug or a clear medicated nail polish called Penlac, which you apply daily until the infected area grows out completely, says dermatology instructor Carolyn Jacob.

Quick camouflage: Apply colored lacquer for a big night out. But remove it the next day and go right back to your nail treatment.