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
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.
