How to get your nails healthy?

Nails Need a Little TLC After Too Many Gel Manicures? Here

How to get your nails healthy?

Healthy Nails / August 6, 2023

Image titled Keep Your Nails Healthy Step 1 Use thick moisturizers for cuticle care. Cuticles are the thin layer of skin near the bottom of the nail, where it connects to the finger. Cuticles often get dry, resulting in peeling and flaking. In order to keep cuticles healthy, apply a thick moisturizer to your cuticles. Ointments and creams are best over typical lighter lotions.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends petroleum jelly for cuticle care.
Ointments get messy, so try applying them to your cuticles before bed. It can get cumbersome to have sticky ointment on your fingertips during the day.

Try lotions containing alpha-hydroxy acids or lanolin for brittle nails. Nails usually get brittle due to repeated exposure to wet environments. If you're doing activities that get your hands wet frequently, like swimming or dishwashing, your nails may become brittle. You can apply lotion to brittle nails to help strengthen them. For the best effect, go for lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids or lanolin. You can check a lotion's ingredient list for these substances, which are known to help rebuild nail strength.

You should also try wearing gloves if you're doing something like washing dishes. This can help keep your nails dry, preventing them from becoming brittle.

See a dermatologist for discolored nails. White, yellow, or green nails are often the result of a fungal infection. Image titled Keep Your Nails Healthy Step 2 In fact, 50% of nail discolorations are due to infections caused by common fungi found in air, dirt, and soil. If your nails become discolored, make an appointment with a dermatologist for evaluation. He or she can recommend ointments, supplements, or creams to treat the issue. Ask your doctor about iron supplements. Iron deficiencies can sometimes be the cause of brittle nails. If your nails remain brittle after using lotion, talk to your doctor about iron supplements. A simple blood test can help detect an iron deficiency, and your doctor can prescribe the appropriate dose of an iron supplement. Try biotin. Biotin is a natural supplement. Some research indicates biotin may help with nail health. If you want to keep your nails strong, ask your doctor about introducing a biotin supplement into your diet.

Part 2

Caring for Your Nails

Clean your nails regularly. Like your hands, your nails should be washed regularly. When washing your hands, make sure to gently scrub the surface of your nails. You should also scrub the undersides with soap and water to remove harmful bacteria trapped under the nails.
Keep your nails dry. When nails are wet, bacteria can more easily grow underneath your fingernails. Always dry your nails thoroughly after washing them. You should wear gloves when doing household chores, like washing dishes or cleaning with products containing chemicals.
Moisturize your nails with lotion. Like your skin, your nails may need moisturizer on occasion as well. Water can dry out natural oils in nails, which need replenishing with an over-the-counter moisturizer. When using lotion, make sure to rub some moisturizer onto the surface of each nail.
- Pick a gentle moisturizer free of a lot of chemicals or added scents.
- If you develop a rash after starting a new moisturizer, cease use. You may have a mild allergy to that brand.
Clean your clippers and nail grooming equipment. You should clean clippers and other nail grooming equipment regularly. This can prevent you nails from getting exposed to bacteria. You can clean toenail and fingernail clippers with antibacterial soap and water. Make sure to dry completely before use.
Soak toenails before clipping. Toenails can sometimes become thick and difficult to trim. If this is the case, soak your toenails in warm water before cutting. Mix a teaspoon of salt in with a pint of water. Soak your toenails for 5 to 10 minutes before trying to trim them.