How to Maintain Healthy Fingernails? Are you taking care of your nails? These are the top tips to maintain your nails in tip-top shape.
Have a look at your fingernails. Are your nails strong and healthy? Do you notice ridges, dents or other unusual features? Proper nail care can prevent many less-than-ideal conditions. Other conditions may indicate a more serious condition that requires attention.
Fingernails: What’s Normal and What’s Not
Your fingernails are made up of layers of keratin, a protein that is laminated to your cuticle. Healthy fingernails have no pits or grooves and are smooth. They are uniform in color, consistency, and free from spots or discoloration
Sometimes, fingernails can develop harmless vertical ridges running from the cuticle to just below the tip. As we age, vertical ridges become more noticeable. Sometimes, fingernails may develop white lines or spots from injury. These will eventually disappear.
However, not all nail conditions can be considered normal. If you notice any of these conditions, consult your dermatologist or doctor.
- Nail color changes, such as discoloration or a dark streak beneath the nail.
- Modifications in nail shape such as curled nails
- Thickening or thickening the nails
- Separation from the surrounding skin of the nail
- Bleeding around nails
- Nail pain or swelling
- Nails that fail to grow properly
Care for your fingernails: What can you do?
Keep your fingernails looking great!
Make sure your fingernails are clean and dry. This will prevent bacteria from growing beneath your fingernails. Split fingernails can result from prolonged or repeated contact with water. When washing dishes, cleaning, or using harsh chemicals, wear rubber gloves made of cotton.
Good nail hygiene is essential. Use sharp manicure scissors and clippers. You can trim your nails straight across and then gently curve the tips.
Use moisturizer. Use hand lotion to moisturize your skin.
Protect your nails with a protective layer. A nail hardener may be helpful in strengthening nails.
Ask your doctor for information about biotin. Research suggests that biotin, a nutritional supplement, might strengthen weak or brittle fingers.
Care for your fingernails: Do not
Avoid nail damage by not:
Take a bite out of your fingers or grab your cuticles.These actions can cause damage to the nail bed. Even a small cut on your fingernail could allow bacteria and fungi to get in and cause infection.
Take off your hangnails. Live tissue could be ripped with the hangnail. Instead, clip the hangnails carefully.
Do not use harsh nail care products.Use nail polish remover sparingly. Use an acetone-free nail polish remover.
Neglect problems.Consult your dermatologist if you have a nail issue that won’t go away or is associated other symptoms.
Note about manicures and pedicures
For healthy nails, you should not rely on pedicures or manicures. Only work with licensed technicians and salons that have a current state license. Do not remove your cuticles — they seal the skin to the nail plates and can cause infection. To prevent infection spreading, ensure that your technician sterilizes all instruments used during the procedure.
It is also possible to ask about the cleaning of the foot baths. It is recommended that clients use a bleach solution between each other and that the filters are regularly cleaned.
It is easy to neglect your nails. However, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your fingers strong and healthy.
