Do's and don'ts for healthy nails

Fingernails are a crucial part of our body and are often taken for granted. A healthy set of nails can indicate the state of our overall health and hygiene. Nails are made up of a protein called keratin, and a lack of this protein can result in weak, brittle, and thin nails. Hence, it's essential to take care of our nails to keep them healthy and strong. In this article, we'll be discussing some of the dos and don'ts for healthy nails.

Do's for healthy nails:

1. Keep them clean: Keeping your nails clean and dry is one of the most important things you can do to maintain their health. Dirt and bacteria can accumulate under the nails and cause infections. Regularly washing your hands and using a nail brush to scrub the nails will keep them clean and prevent infections.
2. Moisturize: Keeping your nails moisturized is crucial for their health. You can use a nourishing cuticle oil or hand cream to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated. This will prevent dryness and cracking and keep your nails strong and healthy.
3. Eat a balanced diet: A healthy diet is crucial for overall health and the health of your nails. Make sure to include foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, iron, and Vitamin C, in your diet. These nutrients are essential for the growth and strength of your nails.
4. Avoid biting your nails: Biting your nails is not only bad for your nails but also harmful to your oral health. The constant pressure and friction can cause your nails to crack and break, making them more susceptible to infections.
5. Protect your nails while working: If you work with your hands, make sure to wear gloves to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and other harmful substances.

1. Trim your nails regularly: Regularly trimming your nails can help prevent them from cracking and splitting. Use a good quality nail clipper or scissor and trim your nails straight across, then round the tips in a gentle curve.
2. Avoid artificial nails: Artificial nails, such as acrylics and gels, can damage your natural nails. The harsh chemicals used to apply these nails can weaken the natural nails and cause them to become brittle and break. If you must use artificial nails, make sure to give your natural nails a break in between and use a nourishing treatment to keep them healthy.
3. Get regular manicures: Regular manicures can help keep your nails healthy and looking good. During a manicure, the nails are trimmed, buffed, and moisturized to keep them healthy. A good manicure can also help prevent fungal infections, which can damage the nails.
4. Avoid smoking: Smoking can have a negative impact on your overall health and the health of your nails. The nicotine in cigarettes can restrict blood flow, causing the nails to become brittle and discolored.
5. Seek medical attention if necessary: If you notice any changes in the appearance or texture of your nails, such as ridges, discoloration, or thickening, it's important to seek medical attention. These changes can indicate an underlying health condition and early treatment is crucial for preventing further damage.

Don'ts for healthy nails:

Here are some of the don'ts for maintaining healthy nails:

1. Don't bite your nails: Biting your nails can damage the nail bed and leave your nails susceptible to infections.
2. Don't use harsh chemicals: Avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning products and nail polish removers, as they can weaken and dry out your nails.
3. Don't pull off hangnails: Pulling off hangnails can damage the surrounding skin and increase the risk of infection. Instead, carefully clip the hangnail with clean, sterilized nail clippers.
4. Don't ignore fungal infections: Fungal infections can spread and cause damage to your nails. If you suspect you have a fungal infection, seek medical attention promptly.
5. Don't neglect proper hand hygiene: Regular hand washing and sanitizing can help prevent the spread of infections and keep your nails healthy.
6. Don't ignore changes in your nails: If you notice any changes in the appearance or texture of your nails, such as ridges, discoloration, or thickening, it's important to seek medical attention. These changes can indicate an underlying health condition.

1. Don't overuse nail treatments: While nail treatments can be beneficial for maintaining healthy nails, overusing them can have the opposite effect. Excessive use of treatments, such as cuticle oils and strengthening polishes, can cause the nails to become too soft and brittle.
2. Don't neglect a healthy diet: A diet that is deficient in vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, iron, and vitamins A, C, and D, can negatively impact the health of your nails. Make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to keep your nails healthy.
3. Don't use unsterilized nail tools: Using unsterilized nail tools, such as nail clippers and files, can increase the risk of infection. Make sure to sterilize your nail tools regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
4. Don't ignore your nail care routine: Neglecting your nail care routine can lead to dry, brittle, and unhealthy nails. Regularly moisturizing and protecting your nails can help keep them healthy and beautiful.

Maintaining healthy nails requires a combination of good hygiene, proper nail care, and a healthy diet. By following these don'ts, you can prevent damage to your nails and keep them healthy and beautiful. If you have any concerns about the health of your nails, seek medical attention promptly. Your nails can give you valuable information about your overall health, so take care of them and they will take care of you.

Fingernails: What's normal, what's not

It's important to be aware of what's normal for your nails and what changes could indicate a problem. Here's what's considered normal and what's not when it comes to fingernails:

Normal:

1. Nails grow approximately 0.1mm per day: The rate of nail growth can vary based on factors such as age, health, and lifestyle.
2. Healthy nails have a pinkish-white color: This is due to the blood vessels under the nails. Nails may appear lighter or darker based on skin tone.
3. Nails have a smooth surface: If your nails have a rough or bumpy texture, it could be a sign of a fungal infection or other health condition.
4. Nails are slightly curved: Most people have nails that are slightly curved, but not abnormally so. If your nails are abnormally curved, it could be a sign of a fungal infection or other health condition.

Not Normal:

1. Nails are abnormally brittle or break easily: Brittle nails can be a sign of a deficiency in vitamins and minerals, such as biotin and iron, or can be a side effect of certain medications.
2. Nails are discolored: Nail discoloration can indicate an underlying health condition, such as a fungal infection, anemia, or liver disease.
3. Nails have ridges: Vertical ridges in the nails can be a sign of aging, but horizontal ridges can indicate a more serious health condition, such as a lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Nails are abnormally thick or distorted: Thick or distorted nails can be a sign of a fungal infection, a skin condition, or other underlying health problem.

If you notice any changes in the appearance or texture of your nails, it's important to seek medical attention. Early treatment can help prevent further damage and keep your nails healthy. Your nails can give you valuable information about your overall health, so pay attention to them and seek medical attention if necessary.

In conclusion, taking care of your nails is crucial for their health and the overall health of your body. By following these dos and don'ts, you can keep your nails strong, healthy, and beautiful. Remember to keep them clean, moisturized, and protected, and to avoid harsh chemicals and sharp objects. A balanced diet and avoiding habits like biting your nails can also contribute to the overall health of your nails.