Know how to take care of your fingernails

Fingernails are one of the most neglected parts of our body. So, here's how to keep them in top shape.

Aishwarya Vaidya | Updated: October 25, 2018 6:49 am

You should avoid biting your nails to keep them healthy. © Shutterstock

Are your fingernails giving you a tough time? Did you spot those ridges, dents, or unusual colour or shape? You will be able to keep many frustrating nail conditions at bay if you take care of your fingers properly. Hence, avoid ignoring your nails and if you are suffering from any underlying conditions then just seek immediate medical help.

Fingernails are composed of laminated layers of a protein known as keratin. Healthy fingernails can be defined as smooth, without pits or grooves and are free of spots or discolouration. But, your fingernails can get white lines or spots due to injury and so on. You can also notice bleeding around your nails, swelling and intense pain, sometimes the nail won’t grow out and your nail will also appear separated from the surrounding skin.

You should keep your fingernails moisturized: Apply hand lotion to your nails from time to time, to keep them hydrated.
You should maintain a good nail hygiene: You should gently trim your nails and avoid using harsh objects to clean your nails as it can injure your nail bed.
You should keep your fingernails dry and clean: This will protect the bacteria from growing under your fingernails. Prolonged contact with water can contribute to split fingernails so be careful! Wear gloves while washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals as it can wreak havoc on your nails.
Along with the dos there as some don’ts which you can keep in mind.
Avoid using harsh chemical products on your nails: Use a good quality of nail polish and remover and see to it that it doesn’t harm your nails.
You should carefully pull off hangnails: You might end up pulling live tissue along with your hanging nail. Don’t do it. Just clip off your nail.
Avoid biting your nails: This annoying habit of yours can put you at the risk of infections. We are not kidding here! Biting nails or picking at your cuticles can invite bacteria which might enter through the cut. Thus, it can lead to infection.

Published: October 24, 2018 2:18 pm | Updated:October 25, 2018 6:49 am

Disclaimer: TheHealthSite.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here and the results may vary from person to person. The topics in these pages including text, graphics, videos and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice.

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