Nail Health: Do's and Don'ts
Healthy nails are:
- Smooth, without pits or grooves
- Uniform in color and consistency
- Free of spots or discoloration
Sometimes you may notice vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. These are harmless and are most likely due to age. White lines or spots that appear after an injury are also harmless. They will eventually grow out with the nail.
Nail Care: DO'S and DON'TS
Keep your nails looking great with these tips!
Do:
- Keep your nails dry and clean. Wear gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals, and even though a nice long soak in the tub sounds great, it can damage your nails by giving fungi, bacteria, and other organisms a happy place to grow.
- Trim and file your nails on a regular basis. Make sure you use sharp clippers or nail scissors. Cut straight across and then shape them to your liking after. It may be easier for you to trim while your nails are soft, like after a shower or bath.
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Whenever you use your hand lotion, take a few extra moments to run some into your cuticles and around your nails. · Even a minor cut can cause infection. YUCK!
- Abuse your nails. Don’t use your nails as tools to pick and pry things.
- Bite your nails or pick at your cuticles. You can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut can cause infection. YUCK!
- Pull off hangnails. Always use clippers to remove hangnails!
- Ignore problems. If you notice a problem that doesn't seem to go away on its own or you’re having other symptoms, call your doctor.
Weak fingernails are something I have struggled with in the past. Here are some tips to help strengthen those flimsy nails.
- Keep your nails short.
- Use moisturizer.
- Apply nail polish.
- Limit use of nail polish remover. Acetone can really dry out your nails.
IF YOU GO TO A SALON FOR MANI’S AND PEDI’S, MAKE SURE THEY STERILIZE THEIR TOOLS!
