Nail Care
Fingernails: Do's and don'ts for healthy nails
Are you taking good care of your nails? Here's what you need to know to keep your fingernails in tiptop shape.
Take a close look at your fingernails. Are they strong and healthy looking? Or do you see ridges, dents, or areas of unusual color or shape? Many less than desirable nail conditions can be avoided through proper fingernail care. Others might indicate an underlying condition that needs attention.
Fingernails: What's normal, what's not
Your fingernails — composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin — 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:
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 Fingernail care: Do's and don'ts.
To keep your fingernails looking their best:
1. Keep fingernails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails. Repeated or prolonged contact with water can contribute to split fingernails.
2. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals. Practice good nail hygiene. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers.
3. Trim your nails straight across, then round the tips in a gentle curve.
4. Use moisturizer. 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.
5.Ask your doctor about biotin. Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails.
Fingernail care: Don'ts
To prevent nail damage, don't :
1. 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.
2. Pull off hangnails. You might rip live tissue along with the hangnail. Instead, carefully clip off hangnails. 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, consult your doctor or dermatologist for an evaluation. Use harsh nail care products. Limit your use of nail polish remover. When using nail polish remover, opt for an acetone-free formula. A note about manicures and pedicures
3. If you rely on manicures or pedicures for healthy looking nails, keep a few things in mind. Stick to salons that display a current state license, and work only with technicians also licensed by the state board. Don't have your cuticles removed — it can lead to nail infection. Also, make sure your nail technician properly sterilizes all tools used during your procedure to prevent the spread of infection.
You might also ask how the foot baths are cleaned. Ideally, a bleach solution is used between clients and the filters are cleaned regularly.
It's easy to neglect your nails — but taking some basic steps can keep your fingernails healthy and strong.
Does nail biting cause any long-term nail damage?
Answers from Dr.Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Although unsanitary, nail biting isn't likely to cause long-term nail damage. Nails are formed within the nail bed — just beneath where the U-shaped cuticles begin. As long as the nail bed remains intact, nail biting isn't likely to interfere with fingernail growth. In fact, some research suggests that nail biting might even promote faster nail growth.
Nail biting isn't without risks, however. For example, nail biting can:
1. Damage the skin around the nail, increasing the risk of infection
2. Increase the risk of colds and other infections by encouraging the spread of germs from your fingers to your mouth
3. Harm your teeth
If you're concerned about nail biting, consult your doctor or a mental health provider. To stop nail biting, he or she might suggest:
1. Avoiding factors that trigger nail biting, such as overstimulation
2. Using healthy ways, such as physical activity, to manage stress and anxiety
3. Keeping your nails neatly trimmed or manicured Occupying your hands or mouth with alternate activities, such as playing a musical instrument or chewing gum
In some cases, treatment with behavior therapy might be needed.
