Look at your fingernails closely. Do they appear to be robust and healthy? Or do you see any ridges, dents, or regions that are an odd hue or shape? Through good fingernail care, many undesirable nail conditions can be avoided. Others may point to a problem that needs to be addressed.
What is natural and what is not for fingernails
Your cuticle and the region at the base of the nail are where your fingernails, which are made of laminated layers of the protein keratin, originate. Healthy fingernails are flat and free of grooves or pits. They lack any spots or degradation and are uniform in colour and consistency.
Innocent vertical ridges that extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail can occasionally form on fingernails. With age, vertical ridges tend to grow more pronounced. White lines or patches may appear on fingernails as a result of trauma, but these eventually disappear along with the nail.
However, not all nail issues are typical. Consult a dermatologist or medical professional if you see:
A change in nail colour, such as a black stripe under the nail or discoloration of the entire nail
alterations in nail shape, like curled nails
the nails becoming thinner or thicker
nail coming away from the surrounding skin
surrounding the nails in blood
discomfort or swelling around the nails
Nail failure to grow out
Fingernail care: Do’s and Don’ts
To maintain the best-looking fingernails:
Keep your fingernails tidy and dry. By doing this, bacteria cannot develop under your fingernails. Split fingernails can be caused by prolonged or frequent contact with water. When cleaning, washing dishes, or using strong chemicals, put on rubber gloves with a cotton lining.
Maintain proper nail hygiene. Use manicure scissors or clippers that are razor-sharp. Trim your nails straight across, then gently curl the tips.
Apply lotion. Rub hand lotion into your fingernails and cuticles in addition to your hands.
Add a layer of protection. Applying a nail hardener could make nails stronger.
Consult your physician about biotin. According to some research, the dietary vitamin biotin may be able to strengthen fingernails that are brittle or weak.
Don’ts for fingernail care
Avoid the following to avoid damaging your nails:
Pick at your cuticles or bite your fingernails. The nail bed may be harmed by certain practises. A cut next to your fingernail, no matter how small, can let germs or fungi in and lead to an illness.
Remove hangnails. Live tissue could be torn as well as the hangnail. Hangnails should be properly removed instead.
Make use of harsh nail care items. Use nail polish remover sparingly. Choose an acetone-free nail polish remover when using one.
Ignore issues. Consult your doctor or dermatologist for an evaluation if you have a nail issue that doesn’t appear to go away on its own or is accompanied by other signs and symptoms.
Hope it helps!
