The Do’s & Don’ts for Healthy, Strong Nails

Have you had a chance to stop and check your nails lately? How do they look? Do you see any bumps or discoloration? Caring for your nails is one of the easiest things to do for your body. They can potentially mirror what’s going on with your health. According to experts, they can be indicators of health problems like lung, liver, and kidney disease. Also, if left without care, nails can have bacterial infections in the folds that could leave you at risk of more serious injury.

Caring for your nails may be simple and economical. However, you should be smart about maintaining your nails because being overly aggressive could be catastrophic. So, here are some dos and don’ts that would help you have healthy nails that you can be proud of:

Do’s

1. Moisturise. Just like your skin, your nails need moisture. You can use oil or nail cream to moisturize your nails, including the nail beds. Doing so protects your nails from chipping and cracking due to dehydration and makes your cuticles look their best.
2. Observe good nail hygiene. Regularly cut your nails with clean clippers or manicure scissors. But remember not to trim your nails too short! That’s the common cause of ingrown fingernails. Here’s what to do: just cut straight through and round on the edges. 
3. Always use clean and sterile nail tools. Our nails are an extension of our skin; any wrong move could result in open wounds. It’s best to use sterilized clippers to avoid any infection. You could also get the best results if you invest in the right tools for the occasion. Don’t use a razor blade for your toes or a screwdriver to push your cuticles in.
4. Take in some Zinc and Biotin. According to research, taking these supplements helps strengthen your fingernails. People respond differently to medication, so check with your primary doctor before doing this. 
5. Treat hangnails and other issues promptly. Addressing hangnails, ingrown nails, and torn nails may be trivial, but these should be done as soon as possible. A lot of home remedies like ointments and “tender, love, and care” would work wonders. But in more severe cases, it’s best to have it checked by a dermatologist.

Don’ts

1. Don’t bite your nails. Biting your nails and picking your cuticles can destroy your nail bed and expose your mouth to dirt and bacteria. Take some anxiety out with more productive means like yoga and meditation. Click here for more tips to stop biting your nails. 
2. Don’t utilize your nails as tools. Why use a sponge or scissors if your fingernails work as well? You may think it is easier and more convenient, but it could cause cuts to the cuticles and damage to nails. 
3. Don’t share nail files and other tools with anyone. Nail files can be home to microbes and bacteria, so using another person’s is a way to transfer these organisms. Throw away your old nail files, buy a new one, and maybe buy an extra for your friend.
4. Don’t neglect weird growths, inflammation, odd colors, or unusual textures. These nail issues can indicate a more serious health problem. So if you notice anything like these, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor. 

Wrapping up

Keep a good eye on your nails. It could save you from any health scares. Remember what healthy nails look like: smooth, uniform in color and consistency, and with no discoloration.