Do you know the health of your nail? Are you taking the health of your nails seriously? Are taking good care of your nails? Are they strong and healthy-looking?
These questions are very important to answer to know the condition and health of your nails. Your fingernails composed of layers of a protein called keratin to grow from the area at the base of the nail under your cuticle. Healthy fingernails are smooth, without pits or grooves. They’re uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration.
Sometimes fingernails develop harmless vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical ridges tend to become more prominent with age. Fingernails can also develop white lines or spots due to injury, but these eventually grow out with the nail.
Not all nail conditions are normal, however. Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you notice these changes:
· Changes in nail color, such as discoloration of the entire nail or a dark streak under the nail
· Changes in nail shape, such as curled nails
· Thinning or thickening of the nails
· Separation of the nail from the surrounding skin
· Bleeding around the nails
· Swelling or pain around the nails
· Failure of nails to grow out
Tips for healthy fingernails:
To keep your fingernails healthy and looking their best:
· Keep nails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails. Repeated or prolonged contact with water can contribute to split fingernails. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning, or using harsh chemicals.
· Practice good nail hygiene. Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers. Trim your nails straight across, then round the tips in a gentle curve.
· Apply moisturizer daily. When you use hand lotion, rub the lotion into your fingernails and cuticles, too.
· Apply a protective layer. Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen nails.
· Ask your doctor about biotin. Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails.
Don’t do the following things to prevent any nail damages,
· Bite your fingernails or pick at your cuticles. These habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your fingernail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection.
· Pull off hangnails. You might rip live tissue along with the hangnail. Instead, carefully clip off hangnails.
· Use harsh nail care products. Limit your use of nail polish remover. When using nail polish remover, opt for an acetone-free formula.
· Don’t ignore problems. If you have a nail problem that doesn’t seem to go away on its own or is associated with other signs and symptoms, consults your doctor or dermatologist for an evaluation.
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