Nail care is a vital part of our beauty regime. It is important to take care of your nails and be more conscious about your nail hygiene. Not just that! Nails are the first thing that people notice and hence, it is really essential to keep them healthy and maintain proper nail hygiene.
Nails are made of a hard protein known as keratin, which can be affected by your health and nutrition. You should have healthy nails if you are getting enough nutrients in your diet.
If you love getting a manicure but hate the upkeep required, or you just like having pretty nails but find them to be weak and brittle, read on for five tips that will help you grow long, strong and healthy nails!
So, today we will talk about some tips on how to take care of your hand nails. Let’s see what they are:
1. Don’t bite your nails
Nail biting is a habit that’s often picked up in childhood, but it can last into adulthood, too. It’s considered to be an oral fixation and something that provides nervous energy and comfort.
If you’ve been told at least once to stop biting your nails, then you probably know the reasons why. Biting your nails can damage the tissue surrounding the nail, increase your risk of infection, and leave your nails looking ragged and unappealing.
- Keep your nails trimmed short. This will make them less tempting to bite.
- Apply a bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails. The taste will remind you not to put your fingers in your mouth.
- Distract yourself by doing something else with your hands when you feel the urge to bite your nails. Try squeezing a stress ball or putting on gloves.
- Use positive reinforcement. Reward yourself when you go a day without biting your nails.
If you’ve tried repeatedly to quit biting your nails but can’t seem to stop, you may want to talk with your doctor or dermatologist about treatment options.
2. Keep them clean and dry
Wash your hands with soap and water. Dry them completely. Use a towel to dry between your fingers, as well.
Dermatologists recommend that individuals who suspect they have nail fungus seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid any further discomfort and prevent the infection from spreading to other nails or individuals.
The following tips can help prevent future infections:
- Keep your nails clean and dry. Clean under the nails daily with a nail brush.
- Dry your hands thoroughly after washing.
- Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals.
- Moisturize your hands and nails every day with an oil-based cream.
- Apply a thin layer of cream to your hands and feet several times per day. Use a thicker layer at night.
- Before you wash your hands, put on a pair of moisturizing gloves for about 10 minutes.
3. Wear gloves when cleaning or gardening
Washing your hands is a good start, but it’s not enough to protect you from the potential flu virus on surfaces around the house. Germs can live for up to 24 hours on hard surfaces such as countertops, doorknobs, and light switches.
“Wear gloves when you’re cleaning your home,” says Drs. “If you’re doing gardening or any work that may expose you to dirt, wear gloves.”
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and clean, running water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
It’s also important to clean any object that might come into contact with food before preparing a meal, such as a cutting board or knife.
4. Moisturize your hands regularly
Moisturize your hands regularly, as this helps to keep them soft and supple. Being gentle with your hands is also important, as is wearing protective gloves when using harsh chemicals.
Clean and dry your hands thoroughly before applying a hand cream, which should be applied in the direction of hair growth on the back of the hand. Rub in until absorbed.
Tips for moisturizing
- Use hand lotion or cream regularly – apply immediately after washing your hands and drying them gently.
- Choose a moisturizer with a humectant such as glycerin, urea or lactic acid – to help draw water into the skin.
- Look for moisturizers with petrolatum and dimethicone – these help hold moisture in the skin.
- Avoid alcohol-containing preparations and products that contain fragrance, as these may cause irritation or allergic reaction.
Regularly moisturizing your hands is a great way to keep them looking young!
5. Don’t bite or pull at your cuticles (skin around the nail)
Don’t bite or pull at your cuticles (skin around the nail). The skin around each nail is called the cuticle. It’s there to protect the nail root and the nail bed. Biting or picking at it can cause injury, bleeding, infection, and unsightly nails.
If you do like to chew your nails, try applying a bitter-tasting topical nail polish to help break yourself of the habit.
Conclusion
The above tips will surely help you to take care of your nails, reduce the risk of nail infections and keep your nails healthy and beautiful.
