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Strong, Healthy Nails – Nail Care 101
Taking good care of your nails will help keep your nails healthy and also give you the opportunity to inspect them.
If you notice unusual changes such as changes in the color or shape of your nails, swelling of the skin next to the nails, white or black lines, indentations, or ridges, or if you have pain in the nail area, consult your healthcare provider.
Good habits and a little nail-care know-how can help prevent many minor nail problems.
To trim nails, cut straight across with sharp nail scissors or clippers. Slight rounding of the tips is fine, but avoid filing nails into a point, which may cause weakening and make the nails more prone to damage. Soak nails that are difficult to trim in warm salt water for 5 minutes before trimming.
Pay attention to the cuticle – the seal between the nail and skin. Don’t clip or remove the cuticle, which can leave the nail open to infection. Instead, push back the cuticle gently with an orangewood stick. Do this after showering, when the cuticle is soft.
Best Nail Pampering Practices
If you paint your nails, avoid using nail polish remover or nail hardeners more than once per week.
At salons, be sure manicure and pedicure tools are sterilized in an autoclave, a machine that uses high heat to kill bacteria and viruses, or take your own set of tools to the salon.
