Caring for your fingernails and toenails requires very little time and effort to get good results. Costly weekly visits to a manicurist aren't necessary to keep nails looking their best. You don't need expensive equipment or cosmetic procedures to keep your nails looking healthy and attractive. The do's and don'ts of nail care are very basic and easy to follow.
The Do's
Wash your hands and feet with warm soapy water to keep nails clean. Dry thoroughly to prevent bacteria and fungi from growing under the nail.
Always wear gloves when your hands are exposed to chemicals or will be submerged in soap and water for long periods of time.
Wear properly fitted shoes. Ingrown toenails are caused by shoes that are too tight. Make sure that your shoes do not squeeze your toes together.
Trim nails after you've bathed or have soaked them in warm soapy water for 15 minutes to soften the nail and prevent cracking or splitting when trimming.
Nails get dry just like skin, so keep them moisturized. Rub lotion into your nails as you moisturize your hands. Apply lotion to nails after you've removed nail polish.
The Don'ts
Don't bite your nails. Biting your nails can damage the nail bed and give the nails an overall ugly and ragged appearance
Don't pick or cut cuticles. Picking can lead to cuts and tears that allow infection to enter under the nail bed. Cutting cuticles will make them hard and may cause infection causing nicks. Make cuticles less visible by using a cuticle pusher to gently push them back while nails are wet.
Don't pull off hangnails. Trim them with a nail clipper or manicure scissors to avoid ripping living tissue and opening a wound that may become infected.
Don't use your nails as tools. This may lead to a separation of the nail from the nail bed and can not only be painful but may also allow a fungi or infection to grow under your nail.
Don't use nail polish remover more than twice a month. It will dry nails and cause them to become brittle. Use polish for nail touch-ups when needed.
Health Concerns
The appearance of your nail can often be an indicator of other health problems. If you notice significant changes in your nails, consult your physician.
Brittle nails can indicate iron deficiency, thyroid or circulation problems, and kidney disorders. Split or frayed nails can signal deficiencies in vitamin C, proteins and folic acid.
Blue nails that curve around the finger and have a bulging nail bed are indicators of oxygen deficiency. Grey nail beds can be a symptom of glaucoma, cardio disease or malnutrition. Red nail beds can signal heart disease.
Vertical ridges are often a sign of arthritis. Horizontal ridges can be an indicator of too much stress. White stripes on the nail may signal liver or heart disease.
Tags: your nails, your hands, heart disease, keep nails, nail beds, nail polish