Examine your fingernails carefully. Do they seem to be healthy and robust as they should be? Or do you notice any ridges, dents, or sections of a different hue or shape? Taking good care of your fingernails can prevent several unfavorable nail disorders. In addition, some of these types of disorders indicate underlying conditions that may require treatment. Under the cuticle at the base of your fingernail, keratin layers are laminated to form your nails. The fingernails on healthy hands have no ridges or pits. With no deterioration or spots, they are uniform in color and consistency. There may be harmless vertical ridges on the cuticle of the fingernail that is a result of the cuticle growing into the nail. This condition becomes more apparent as one age.
Tips for Stronger Nails
When a fingernail is injured, it may develop white lines or patches, but they fade with time. This is not always the case. Consult your doctor or a dermatologist if you see any of the following:
- Nail color changes, such as discoloration of the entire nail or a black stain beneath the nail
- Changes in nail shape can be seen in curled nails.
- A condition in which the nails thin out or thicken as they become older is called nail thinning.
- Insect bites are infected bites that occur when the nail is severed from the surrounding skin
- When you bite your nails, your throat bleeds
- Swelling or soreness in the vicinity of the nails
- Nail failure to grow out
Also, Read: Types of Skin Color Names
Tips on How to Take Care of your Nails
To maintain your fingernails looking their best, do the following:
Keep your fingernails clean and dry. Microorganisms cannot grow under your fingernails if this is done. If you handle water regularly or for a prolonged period of time, your fingernails might break. You should wear cotton-lined rubber gloves whenever you clean dishes, use harsh chemicals or use harsh cleaning agents.
- Maintain proper nail hygiene. If you need to cut your nails, use scissors that are sharp. Make sure the nail ends are rounded off gently. Apply a moisturizer. When applying hand lotion, work it into your fingernails and cuticles as well.
- Apply a layer of protection. If your nails are weak, you may consider using a nail hardener. Discuss the possibility of using biotin with your doctor. Many studies indicate that biotin supplements may be beneficial for strengthening thin or brittle nails.
- Consume a lot of protein-rich foods. Because your fingernails are comprised of a protein called keratin, you can increase the clarity of your skin and the shine of your hair by changing your diet. Falcone suggests including vitamins and supplements such as biotin, Vitamin E, and fish oil in your daily routine, whereas Doctors suggest eating protein-rich foods such as beans, fish, and nuts. The one thing every expert agrees on is that once you find the right combination for you, you’ll be rewarded with stronger, clearer nails.
- If you’re using harsh chemicals, gardening, or doing anything else that involves getting your hands wet or dirty, wear rubber, vinyl, nitrile, or plastic gloves – some of which include cotton liners. You should avoid washing dishes in hot, soapy water without gloves, and gardening dirt will cause your nails to weaken. Furthermore, if the weather is cold, wear gloves or mittens to avoid having your moisturizing efforts undone by the wind and cold air.
- Use a top coat to prevent nail chips. Also, don’t ignore the importance of a topcoat. A topcoat is equally important, as it locks in the colour and gives your fingers a glossy finish. Applying another topcoat layer every three days will help your manicure last longer and prevent chipping. Also, Read: Healthy Diet for Glowing Skin
Unhealthy Nails
Following are some things you should avoid doing to avoid damaging your nails:
- Pick at your cuticles or bite your fingernails. These habits can wreak havoc on the nail bed. Even a small cut next to your fingernail might allow bacteria or fungi to enter and create an infection.
- Remove any hangnails. Tissues and hangnails could be torn at the same time. Instead, clip hangnails with care.
- Utilize nail care products that are abrasive. Don’t use too much nail polish remover. Make sure that it’s acetone-free.
Whether you paint your nails regularly as a form of self-care or you chew at your cuticles regularly, we all want healthy, perfectly manicured nails. When your nails are maintained properly, your hands appear younger and more professional.
