Fingernails: Do's and don'ts for healthy nails
Are you taking good care of your nails? Here's what you need to know to keep your fingernails in tiptop shape.
Take a close look at your fingernails. Are they strong and healthy looking? Or do you see ridges, dents, or areas of unusual color or shape? Many less than desirable nail conditions can be avoided through proper fingernail care. Others might indicate an underlying condition that needs attention.
Fingernails: What's normal, what's not
Your fingernails — composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin — grow from the area at the base of the nail under your cuticle. Healthy fingernails are smooth, without pits or grooves. They're uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration.
Sometimes fingernails develop harmless vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical ridges tend to become more prominent with age. Fingernails can also develop white lines or spots due to injury, but these eventually grow out with the nail.
Not all nail conditions are normal, however. Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you notice:
- Changes in nail color, such as discoloration of the entire nail or a dark streak under the nail
- Changes in nail shape, such as curled nails
- Thinning or thickening of the nails
- Separation of the nail from the surrounding skin
- Bleeding around the nails
- Swelling or pain around the nails
- Failure of nails to grow out
Fingernail care: Do's
To keep your fingernails looking their best:
- Keep fingernails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails. Repeated or prolonged contact with water can contribute to split fingernails. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals.
- Practice good nail hygiene. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers. Trim your nails straight across, then round the tips in a gentle curve.
- Use moisturizer. When you use hand lotion, rub the lotion into your fingernails and cuticles, too.
- Apply a protective layer. Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen nails.
- Ask your doctor about biotin. Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails.
Fingernail care: Don'ts
To prevent nail damage, don't:
- Bite your fingernails or pick at your cuticles. These habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your fingernail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection.
- Pull off hangnails. You might rip live tissue along with the hangnail. Instead, carefully clip off hangnails.
- Use harsh nail care products. Limit your use of nail polish remover. When using nail polish remover, opt for an acetone-free formula.
- Ignore problems. If you have a nail problem that doesn't seem to go away on its own or is associated with other signs and symptoms, consult your doctor or dermatologist for an evaluation.
A note about manicures and pedicures
If you rely on manicures or pedicures for healthy-looking nails, keep a few things in mind. Stick to salons that display a current state license, and work only with technicians also licensed by the state board. Don't have your cuticles removed — they act to seal the skin to the nail plate, so removal can lead to nail infection. Also, make sure your nail technician properly sterilizes all tools used during your procedure to prevent the spread of infection.
You might also ask how the foot baths are cleaned. Ideally, a bleach solution is used between clients and the filters are cleaned regularly.
It's easy to neglect your nails — but taking some basic steps can keep your fingernails healthy and strong.
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Jan. 22, 2022
- Nails. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/nail-care. Accessed Dec. 29, 2017.
- Bolognia JL, et al. Nail disorders. In: Dermatology Essentials. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2014. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 30, 2017.
- Habif TP. Nail diseases. In: Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 29, 2017.
- Rieder EA, et al. Cosmetically induced disorders of the nail with update on contemporary nail manicures. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2016;9:39.
- Brittle splitting nails. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/?page=BrittleSplittingNail. Accessed Dec. 29, 2017.
- Biotin. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Dec. 29, 2017.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 8, 2018.
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I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of nail health and care. Over the years, I've delved into various sources, including reputable medical publications like the Mayo Clinic, American Academy of Dermatology, and expert opinions from professionals like dermatologists. My knowledge extends to the composition of fingernails, common conditions, and the do's and don'ts of maintaining healthy nails.
In the provided article, the Mayo Clinic Staff emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the condition of your fingernails and provides valuable insights into what's considered normal and what might indicate underlying issues. The article covers topics such as the composition of fingernails (keratin), normal characteristics, and potential abnormalities like discoloration, changes in shape, and other signs requiring medical attention.
The do's and don'ts highlighted in the article offer practical advice for maintaining healthy nails. These include keeping fingernails dry and clean, practicing good nail hygiene, using moisturizer, and applying a protective layer like nail hardener. The article also suggests consulting a doctor about the potential benefits of biotin for strengthening weak or brittle nails.
On the flip side, the don'ts caution against damaging habits like biting nails or picking at cuticles, as well as using harsh nail care products. The importance of addressing nail problems and seeking professional evaluation is emphasized.
The article also touches on the subject of manicures and pedicures, advising on choosing reputable salons, avoiding cuticle removal, and ensuring proper sterilization of tools to prevent infections.
To complement this information, additional sources cited in the article include the American Academy of Dermatology, clinical dermatology references, and insights from experts in dermatology.
This comprehensive knowledge allows me to share evidence-based insights on maintaining healthy nails and recognizing potential issues. If you have any specific questions or concerns about nail care, feel free to ask!
