It may not seem like it, but your toenail and fingernails are very important. It is a good rule of thumb to take the best care of them. Here are some Do’s and Dont’s of nail care that you should be following.
Do:
- Keep them short and clean. Every week or two, you should use a sharp nail clipper or small nail scissor to cut each toenail and fingernail short. You are more likley to have broken nails and accumulate germs under long nails which can make you sick.
- Cut your nails to the shape of your fingertip. You want to form the nail to the tip of your finger, kind of straight across but curved at the edges. However, you want to cut each toenail straight across, you want to try and not curve them because this can cause ingrown nails.
- Use an emery board or nail file to smooth the edges of your nails to get rid of sharp edges.
- Dry your hands and feet super well after getting them wet.
- Rub lotion on your fingernails and cuticles when your hands start to feel dry. This will strengthen the nail and nailbed.
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet keeps nails strong.
- Wearing flip flops in public showers or pools prevents infections and funguses from getting into your nails.
Don’t:
- Bite your nails and pick at the skin surrounding toenails and fingernails. This can cause infections and pain. Not to mention it can weaken the nailbeds.
- Don’t pry or poke things with your nails- this weakens them.
- Cutting or pushing back your cuticles is not good. Damaging this tiny sliver of skin can lead to infection.
- Using nail-polish remover more then twice a month is harmful on your nails. It is also bad if you don’t let your nails breathe, take time between applying new coats of nail polish.
- Applying acrylic nails (artificial nails) is not recommended. The adhesive and added presure on your nails is not good.
- Wearing shoes that are too tight and constrictive also lead to the growth of bacteria and fungus.
Thank you to the American Academy of Dermatology for the original information. You can read more here.