Introduction

Nowadays nails, like hair, have become objects of attention and decoration. Our nails reflect our general health and nail care is very important.

A person who has healthy nails will notice the following features:

• Uniform size and shape

• Smooth and shiny appearance

• A pink nail bed

• Small half-moon-shaped lunula at the base of the nail

• White nail-free margin, which is the part of the nail that grows past the fingertip

Here are some suggestions from dermatologists for maintaining healthy nails.

• Make straight cuts in your nails. Always use sharp nail clippers or scissors. Round the tips in a gentle curve but not towards the sides.

• Avoid removing the cuticle or biting your fingernails. This could damage the nail.

• Regularly clip toenails. Shorter ones will reduce the chance of harm and trauma.

• Do not walk barefoot as far as possible, as infections can be transmitted via skin and nails.

• Keep nails clean and dry.

• Avoid using your nails as a tool for tasks like popping cans.

• Use appropriately fitting shoes. Additionally, switch up the shoes you wear every few days.

• Avoid “digging out” ingrown toenails, especially if they are infected and sore, and consult a dermatologist immediately.

• Repeated or prolonged contact with water can lead to split fingernails. When doing housework, cleaning, or working with harsh chemicals, put on rubber gloves lined with cotton.

• Moisturize your nails regularly. Use hand lotion and massage it into your cuticles and fingernails.

• Do not pull off hangnails. Always cut them off carefully with a nail clipper.

• Use of nail polish remover should be restricted. Choose an acetone-free nail polish remover formula when applying it.

• Consult your dermatologist if you notice unusual changes in your nail.

Nails are hard and durable skin appendages. The nail plate, made up of a protein called keratin, is a rectangular translucent plate. It grows 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 free of spots or discoloration. There are some nail changes like vertical ridging which are harmless. But it is always wise to get any changes in color or shape in nails checked by a dermatologist. At times, nail changes can even be pointers towards systemic illnesses.

Nails may be easily neglected in personal care but taking some simple steps can keep them healthy and strong!

Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.