Embrace Nail Polish
Donning nail polish won't jeopardize the health of your nails, but it's advisable to provide your nails with intermittent breaks from polish. During your at-home manicures, opt for nail polish removers that are free of acetone when you decide to take a break. Prioritize gloves when engaging in activities that involve hands-on work, like gardening or housecleaning, to safeguard your nail polish and prevent dirt from accumulating beneath your nails.
Nourish Your Cuticles with Moisture
Visualize your cuticles as the protective caulking around a bathtub. If you trim them excessively or manipulate them aggressively, you risk causing harm. This can leave your nail bed susceptible to infection. To ensure the health of your nails, Dr. Kleinsmith suggests moisturizing cuticles and refraining from pushing or trimming them, even during a professional manicure. Stay vigilant for signs of infection, such as redness, pain, swelling, or discharge around your cuticles and surrounding skin. Seek medical attention promptly if you suspect an infection for proper treatment.
Prioritise the Seriousness of Infections
Addressing minor issues like smoothing ragged edges or using adhesive bandages for a broken nail is acceptable. However, if signs of infection become apparent, it's crucial to consult your doctor for proper nail care. Recognizing bacterial infection indicators such as redness, swelling, and pain is relatively straightforward. Yet, early signs of a nail fungal infection, like swollen, red, or irritated skin around the nail bed, might be subtler. Over-the-counter antifungal treatments could aid in addressing fungal infections, but in some cases, prescription medications might be necessary. For optimal nail care and health, seeking medical attention is advisable when signs of infection arise.
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Maintain Well-Trimmed Nails
"Current fashion leans towards tidy, naturally shorter nails, departing from the long talons of the past," remarks Dr. Kleinsmith. Consistently trimming your nails aids in promoting nail health and prevents them from snagging or breaking. The frequency of trimming should align with your nails' growth rate. Employ a fine file to gently refine the nail edges. During your manicures, consider a light buffing of the nail surface, especially if ridges are a concern.
Employ a Nail Brush for Cleaning
A common mistake is rigorous cleaning under the nails using pointed tools, which can put women at risk of infection. Whether done at home or during manicures, this practice can inadvertently create a gap between the nail and the nail bed, leaving room for bacterial or fungal infections. Dr. Kleinsmith cautions against such aggressive nail care. A better approach is to use a traditional nail brush and scrub gently. This ensures healthier nails without the potential dangers of aggressive cleaning.
Use Protective Dish Gloves
Frequent exposure of hands to hot, soapy water while doing dishes can compromise even resilient nails, primarily due to the drying effect it has on both nails and the surrounding skin. To safeguard your nails, it's essential to adopt protective measures such as wearing gloves when engaging in cleaning tasks. Notably, doctors highlights that swimmers, who typically spend time in cooler water, don't appear to encounter the same issues with maintaining strong nails.
Opt for Fewer Manicures
Simplicity is key to maintaining healthy nails during manicures. "Visit the salon, have your nail polish removed, gently shape your nails, apply a fresh coat, and you're all set." is a budget-friendly approach. Avoid opting for acrylic nails, as they can potentially increase the risk of infections. Also, be mindful that UV light used for solar nails could carry a slight risk of skin cancer. If you'll be exposed to this light, consider applying sunscreen to your hands for added protection. Keep it simple and safe for your nails' health!
