Are You Taking Enough Care Of Your Nails? Here Are 7 Simple Tips To Have Clean &Healthy Nails

A proper maintenance of nails determines our health. If your nails are dirty, then you are less likely to live a hygienic life and suffer from all kinds of ailments often. Nails are thus an important part of the body like the teeth, skin and hair. Besides dirty nails, ingrown nails and fungal infections are also other nail-related issues that we need to take care of.

If you have fungal infection in your nails, especially the toenails, it becomes very difficult to get rid of it. It is, therefore, important to prevent the infection rather than curing it.

1. Keeping nails clean, dry:

Clean your nails in warm soap water for 10 minutes a day. You can then scrub it with a soft toothbrush to flush out the dirt sticking to its nook and corners. This will help you have clean nails free from infection.

2. Have dry nails:

Fungal organisms love damp environment and hence it is important that you keep your nails dry so as not to encourage the growth of fungal infection. Scrub your feet once in a week and dry the nail. This also minimizes the risk of developing corns.

3. Avoid frequent nail treatment:

Doing manicure and pedicure too often can leave your nails brittle. It can also cause infection due to over-exposure to chemicals and harsh ingredients, especially in salons. Try home-made treatments for your nails.

4. Be careful in public places:

When you go outside, ensure that your nails are not too much exposed to dirt. Carry an extra pair wherever you are not allowed to enter with your shoes on. Also wash your nails off after returning from an outdoor activity.

5. Don’t cut the cuticles:

These essential tissues protect your nails against bacteria and hence it is important to take care of them to keep all kinds of infection at bay. Pushing cuticles back too hard can also cause problems. If your cuticles are giving you pain for any reason, soak them in warm water for around 10 minutes and dry them. Apply some coconut oil and massage it gently for five minutes.

6. Trim the nails properly:

It is important to cut the nails properly to maintain the hygiene. The longer your nails grow, the more they accumulate dirt which in turn can lead to infection. Cut nails straight to ensure that there are no uneven edges. Do not curve the nail corner as it can cause pain.

7. Wear the right footwear:

Wearing suitable footwear reduces the risk of nail infection in the toes. Wear a shoe which has a wider toe area and not the tight ones. Your nails should not come under stress while walking. Also wear shoes that have better air circulation inside and avoid those that are damp or wet.