Sometimes your fingernails can have ridges, dents, or areas
of unusual color or shape.
Many nail conditions can be avoided through proper
fingernail care while others might indicate an underlying condition that needs
attention.
Here's what you need to know to keep your fingernails in
excellent shape.
What's Normal
Fingernails are composed of layers of a protein called
keratin that grows from the area under the 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.
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
-
Failure of nails to grow out
Fingernail Do’s
-
Keep fingernails dry and clean. This prevents
bacteria from growing under your fingernails.
-
Repeated or prolonged contact with water can
contribute to split fingernails. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing
dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals.
-
Trim your nails straight across, then round the
tips in a gentle curve.
-
Rub hand lotion into your fingernails and
cuticles, regularly.
-
Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen
nails.
Fingernail Don'ts
-
Don’t 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.
-
Don’t pull off hangnails because you might rip tissue
along with the hangnail. Instead, carefully clip off hangnails.
-
Don’t use harsh nail care products and limit
your use of nail polish remover. When using nail polish remover, choose an
acetone-free formula.
-
Don’t ignore nail 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 for an evaluation.
Tips for Professional Manicures and Pedicures
-
Make sure technician is licensed.
-
Don't have your cuticles removed as they act to
seal the skin to the nail plate, so removal can lead to nail infection.
-
Make sure the nail technician properly
sterilizes all tools used during your procedure to prevent the spread of
infection.
-
For pedicures, you might want to ask how the foot
baths are cleaned. Usually 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.
Thanks for supporting my blog 💕
~Jennifer
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