Why is Nail Care Important?

Keeping your nails neat, trimmed and healthy isn’t only good for your appearance–there are many reasons why nail care is important.

We do a lot of things with our hands on a daily basis which expose us to bacteria: touching gas pump handles, scratching off lottery tickets, opening cans of food, touching mail, and so much more. The things we do with our hands on a daily basis expose our nails to germs.

If you don’t properly care for your nails, you’re likely to experience the following:

Nail infections
Ingrown nails
Calluses
Nail Fungus

Your nails are one of the most visible parts of your body. As a result, nail care, especially nail cuticle care is necessary for both grooming and health. Here are a few ways you may be damaging your nails without even knowing it.

1. Biting your nails

Nail-biting not only causes damage to the skin around the nail, but it can also raise your risk of infection, injure your teeth, and cause jaw pain or (Temporomandibular joint pain) TMJ difficulties. Nail-biting is triggered by boredom, stress, or worry. Keeping your nails short, identifying your triggers, and substituting nail-biting with a positive habit, such as playing with a stress ball to keep your hands busy, are smart ways to overcome this habit.

2. Mishandling cuticles and hangnails

Many people pick at their cuticles or pull at their hangnails, which can damage their nails and increase risk of infection. If this sounds like you, apply nail oil or hand cream to the nails for the best nail cuticle care and reduce the problem of peeling skin.

Leave your cuticles alone, whether you have your nails done professionally or at home. Manipulation of the cuticle, which acts as a natural barrier against fungus and bacteria, can result in infection and damage to the nail bed. While cutting cuticles poses the greatest risk of injury, pulling them back can also be problematic.

3. Using acetone-based nail remover

Avoid using polish removers that include acetone. Acetone dries out the nails, making them brittle, causing them to further split and peel. When removing nail polish, choose an acetone-free formulation. Apply a protective coating, nail hardener, between manicures, to help strengthen your nails.

4. Not practicing good hygiene

Bacteria and fungi can enter your body through nails. For this reason, you should trim, file, and shape your nails regularly. Keep your fingernails clean, and cuticles nourished. Getting timely manicure services is a great way to take good care of your nails. Nail trimming for elderly can be a difficult task to do alone, depending on age. The benefits of manicures will help seniors maintain their nails easily and effortlessly. Invest in handy tools such as a nail brush if you are too busy for a manicure, to keep your nails clean at home. However, it is important to ensure that you sterilize these handy tools after every use.

5. Not wearing gloves while cleaning

Think about how frequently you wash your hands or clean the dishes. You put your nails at risk for yeast and bacterial infections every time you expose them to chemicals. Your fingernails may split if you expose them to too much water. When cleaning with chemicals or doing dishes, consider using rubber gloves with cotton lining.

Key Takeaway:

So go ahead and choose manicure services to keep your nails groomed and healthy! After all, it’s for your good health and well-being. Instead of searching on the web for ‘best nail place near me,’ call us at +1 888-596-2090 to schedule a Wellness Appointment at the EliteCare Health Center located closest to you.