Noah Sinclair
Maintaining nail health is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also to prevent infections and other complications. One common nail issue is paronychia, an inflammation that may result from trauma, irritation, or infection. It can affect both the fingernails and toenails, causing pain and potentially leading to more severe infections if left untreated. To avoid paronychia and other nail problems, it's crucial to practice good nail hygiene and care. This includes regularly trimming nails straight across with rounded corners, moisturising the nails and cuticles, and avoiding harsh or wet environments that can encourage bacterial growth. Additionally, biting nails and cuticles should be avoided, as it can introduce germs and bacteria into the body. Proper nail care helps to maintain nail strength and flexibility while reducing the risk of infections and other nail-related issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Trimming | Cut nails straight across with soft rounded corners using sharp manicure scissors or clippers. |
| Trim after a shower or bath when the nails are softer. | |
| Cuticles should not be cut too close to the nail fold. | |
| Cleaning | Wash hands regularly, ensuring to clean under the nails. |
| Use a nail brush and gentle soap. | |
| Moisturizing | Use hand lotion on the fingernails, cuticles, and nail beds to prevent dryness and brittleness. |
| Almond or avocado oil, or a specialty cuticle moisturizer can be used. | |
| Habits | Avoid biting nails, picking cuticles, or pulling off hangnails. |
| Avoid picking or biting nails to prevent the risk of infection. | |
| Avoid harsh nail polishes with formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate. | |
| Wear waterproof gloves when working with chemicals or when hands will be wet for long periods. | |
| Avoid keeping nails in wet or dirty environments to prevent bacterial growth. | |
| Diet | Consume a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats for healthier nails. |
| Medical Care | Seek treatment for nail infections, especially if you have diabetes or difficulty fighting infections. |
| Ingrown nails may require medical treatment if home remedies are ineffective. |
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What You'll Learn
- Trim nails straight across with rounded edges to prevent ingrown nails
- Wash hands and keep nails clean to prevent bacteria and infection
- Moisturise nails and cuticles to prevent dryness and strengthen nails
- Avoid harsh nail polishes and chemicals that can irritate or weaken nails
- Exercise caution when getting manicures and pedicures to prevent infection
Trim nails straight across with rounded edges to prevent ingrown nails
Trimming your nails is an important part of a good nail care routine. It helps to keep your nails strong and healthy and prevents common issues like hangnails and ingrown toenails.
When trimming your fingernails, cut almost straight across the nail, leaving a soft, rounded corner. This will help keep your nails strong and prevent them from catching on things like clothing or furniture. Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers, and try to trim your nails after a bath or shower when they are softer and easier to cut.
For toenails, it is especially important to cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of the nails grow into your skin. By cutting straight across, you can keep the corners of your nail elevated above your skin, making it harder for the nail to grow into the skin. Toenails are also softer after a bath or shower, so this is the best time to trim them.
Avoid cutting your nails too short. For toenails, the nail should not be significantly shorter than the toe. Cutting your toenails too short increases the risk of the nail growing into an unusual shape. Cutting straight across with rounded edges will help prevent this.
To round off the corners of your nails, use a nail file or emery board. File in a consistent direction to prevent weakening your nails.
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Wash hands and keep nails clean to prevent bacteria and infection
Keeping your nails clean is an essential part of maintaining your hygiene. Wash your hands daily, removing dirt and oil from under your nails, and keeping your hands hydrated. This practice is not only crucial for your health but also makes you look and feel good.
Washing your hands with soap and water while scrubbing for 20 seconds is a good way to keep your nails clean. You can also use a nail brush to clean the hard-to-reach areas under your nails while washing your hands. However, make sure to wash and air-dry the brush after use to prevent the accumulation of bacteria.
If you want to go beyond basic hand washing, you can try the following steps:
- Clean the dirt from under your nails with an orangewood stick. It is generally easier to clean underneath your nails when they are dry.
- Trim your nails with nail clippers if they are too long.
- Deep clean by soaking your nails in a bowl of equal parts clean water and apple cider vinegar for 20 minutes. Apple cider vinegar is high in acetic and malic acids, which have anti-fungal and cleansing properties.
- Rewash your hands in warm, soapy water.
- Moisturize your nails and cuticles with a small amount of cuticle oil, coconut oil, aloe, cocoa butter, or tea tree oil.
In addition to keeping your nails clean, you can also take other measures to prevent bacteria and infection. These include:
- Keeping your nails short and trimmed straight across to prevent them from breaking and to reduce the likelihood of collecting bacteria and dirt.
- Using a nail strengthener and applying a protective top coat to your nails at least once a week.
- Wearing waterproof gloves when working with chemicals or when your hands will be wet for a long period to protect your nails and skin.
- Maintaining a healthy diet with a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to ensure you get the necessary nutrients for healthier nails.
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Moisturise nails and cuticles to prevent dryness and strengthen nails
Moisturising your nails and cuticles is essential to prevent dryness and strengthen your nails. Washing your hands often can strip your skin and nails of their natural oils, so it's important to moisturise regularly. The best time to do so is directly after washing your hands. Keep a moisturising oil-based cream or lotion near your sink so you can apply it immediately—it's best to leave your hands slightly damp when applying. You can also use a few drops of pure rose hip seed oil, which is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, to help restore and nourish your nail bed and cuticles.
There are many different products you can use to moisturise your nails and cuticles. You can use a high-quality jojoba-based nail oil or pure jojoba oil, which can be applied after washing your hands or doing the dishes. You can also use a wax or oil-based balm, such as a cuticle balm or hand salve, or a standard hand cream for quick and easy moisturisation. Some good options include the Aveeno hand cream and the J.R. Watkins lemon cream hand cream.
You can also try a hot oil treatment for your nail beds, or a thicker ointment or cream to be applied at night, such as the Kerasol ointment. A tiny bit of lanolin applied to your nails and fingertips at night can also provide incredible moisturisation.
If you're looking for a more natural option, you can try a DIY nail and cuticle oil that blends essential oils and extracts for an intense moisturising and nourishing remedy. Argan oil, for example, is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, which can improve moisturisation. You can also add a few drops of your favourite essential oils to a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut, grapeseed, olive, avocado, or almond oil.
In addition to moisturising your nails and cuticles, staying properly hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day is also important for nail health.
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Avoid harsh nail polishes and chemicals that can irritate or weaken nails
When it comes to nail care, it is important to be mindful of the products you use, as some chemicals in nail polishes and treatments can irritate or weaken your nails.
Firstly, it is worth noting that nail polish companies are not required to list their ingredients, so it can be challenging to know exactly what you are putting on your nails. However, certain chemicals are known to be potentially harmful, and you should avoid nail polishes that contain these ingredients. One way to identify safer options is to look for polishes labelled as ""five-free", which means they are free from five specific ingredients: formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DnBP), formaldehyde resin, and camphor. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, recognised by the National Cancer Institute as a potential cancer-causing substance. It can also irritate the skin, and its repeated use may weaken nails. Dibutyl phthalate is an endocrine disruptor, linked to issues like hormone changes, diabetes, and thyroid irregularities. Toluene can cause eye irritation, as well as kidney and nervous system damage. While camphor has been used as a topical remedy, it can be toxic if consumed.
Additionally, be cautious when using gel polishes. While they are unlikely to have long-term negative effects on nail health if used sparingly, the curing process involves UV light exposure, which is known to cause cellular damage, accelerate ageing, and increase the risk of skin cancer. If you choose to get a gel manicure, remember to apply sunscreen beforehand or wear fingerless gloves during the treatment.
Other chemicals found in nail products that can cause irritation or other adverse effects include acetone (nail polish remover), acetonitrile (fingernail glue remover), butyl acetate (nail polish and remover), ethyl acetate (nail polish, remover, and glue), and isopropyl acetate (nail polish and remover).
To summarise, when taking care of your fingernail corners, it is crucial to avoid harsh nail polishes and chemicals. Opt for non-toxic, "five-free" or "10-free" polishes, and exercise caution with gel manicures and other products containing potentially harmful chemicals.
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Exercise caution when getting manicures and pedicures to prevent infection
Getting a manicure or pedicure can be a great way to relax and treat yourself. However, it's important to remember that nail salons can be breeding grounds for bacteria and infections. Here are some tips to exercise caution when getting a manicure or pedicure to prevent infection:
Inspect the Salon
Before booking an appointment, take a look around the salon. Observe the cleanliness of the space, including the tools and footbaths. A reputable salon should prioritize sanitation and disinfection. If you notice dirty tools or footbaths, it may be a sign that the salon is not adhering to proper sanitation protocols.
Ask About Sterilization
Ensure that the salon sterilizes its tools between customers. This includes metal tools, scissors, and footbaths. Ask about their sterilization process and request to see the autoclave, which is a device used to sterilize tools with high-pressure steam. If they cannot provide satisfactory answers or access to their sterilization process, consider choosing another salon.
Avoid Cuticle Cutting
Your cuticles act as a protective barrier against bacteria and infection. When cut or pushed back too aggressively, they can become vulnerable to bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Request that your nail technician leave your cuticles untouched during your manicure or pedicure.
Bring Your Own Tools
If you're concerned about the salon's sterilization practices or want to be extra cautious, consider bringing your own manicure and pedicure tools. This way, you can ensure that the tools used on you are clean and sterile.
Be Wary of Razors
Some pedicures may involve the use of razors to remove dead skin. Make sure the salon is regulated and does not reuse non-sterilized razors. There is a risk of bloodborne diseases, such as hepatitis B or C, or even HIV, if a razor punctures your skin after being used on someone else.
Avoid Sharing Nail Files
Nail files and pumice stones can be reused without sterilization, which means there is a small risk of transferring infections. It is generally recommended to bring your own nail file or request a new, disposable one for your service.
Check for Disinfection
Before soaking your feet in a footbath, ensure that the salon disinfects the tub between customers. Ask about their disinfection process and the products they use. A proper disinfection process should involve cleaning and then disinfecting the footbath with an anti-fungal agent between each client.
Avoid Open Wounds
If you have any cuts, scrapes, or open wounds on your hands or feet, it is best to avoid getting a manicure or pedicure until they have healed. Open wounds can provide an entry point for bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
Choose a Reputable Salon
Opt for salons that are licensed, regulated, and have good reviews regarding their sanitation practices. A reputable salon will prioritize the safety and well-being of its customers and adhere to proper disinfection and sterilization protocols.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to trim your nails regularly to keep them strong and healthy. Aim to cut your nails straight across, right after a shower or bath when they are softer.
Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers to trim your nails and a nail file or emery board to soften the corners or edges. Remember to disinfect your nail care tools monthly in 70% or stronger isopropyl alcohol.
To prevent dryness and cracking, use lotion or oil on your nail fold, nail beds and cuticles. Almond or avocado oil are good options, as is a specialty cuticle moisturizer.
Ingrown nails can be treated at home by soaking the nail and applying over-the-counter topical medications. If an infection develops, you may need medical treatment or surgery.
