How to Ensure Healthy Nails

P ause for a moment and take a close look at your fingernails. Perhaps, this is the first time it occurs to you that you don’t know How to Ensure Healthy Nails.

Do your nails seem to be a picture of brimming health and vitality? Or do they look a little bit neglected? Do you notice any ridges, dents, or perhaps some unusually colored or shaped areas? 

Good fingernail care may prevent a variety of less-than-desirable nail problems. Others might be signs of a more serious underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

What to Expect When It Comes To Healthy Nails

The region at the head of the nail beneath your cuticle is where your fingernails develop. They are made up of laminated segments of a proteinaceous material called keratin. Healthy fingernails have no grooves or pitting and are even colored as well as smooth. Their consistency is consistent, and there are no spots or degradation.

Longitudinal ridges that stretch from the cuticles to the tips of the nails may form on fingernails. These vertical ridges grow more noticeable as you become older. White lines or patches might appear on fingernails as a result of damage, but they will fade as the nail grows out.

Infections Should Be Taken Seriously

Smoothing the damaged edges and covering broken nails in adhesive bandages is OK, however, if you notice symptoms of infection, consult your doctor so you may receive appropriate nail care. 

The indicators of bacterial infection (erythema, puffiness, and pain) are easy to see, but early symptoms of fungal infection, including swollen, red, inflamed skin surrounding the nail bed, are more difficult to spot. 

When otherwise healthy nails are in danger, get medical assistance. Fungal infections may improve with basic over-the-counter antifungal treatments, but they may also need prescription drugs.

Consider Taking a Biotin Vitamin

Biotin or Vitamin H/Vitamin B7 belongs to the class of B Vitamins and is extremely beneficial for skin and nails.  Since it's water-soluble, your body does not store it and so consuming it on a regular basis is imperative for good nail health.

Biotin helps strengthen hair, skin, nails and also keeps the neurological system in good working order. Sardines, boiled eggs, and legumes are good sources, or you may take vitamin B supplements.

Let Your Nails Breathe

Although nail paint is attractive, your fingernails have to breathe to remain healthy as well. The application of nail lacquer on a regular basis, even if it is harmless, might damage the nail.

After weeks of using nail polish, make sure to remove it with acetone-free removers and allow your nails to be varnish-free for the odd week.

Maintain a Short Nail Length

Long fingernails are more prone to breakage and get trapped in objects, while trimmed nails are much less likely to chip, fracture, or split, allowing them to remain strong.

Don’t Use Your Nails to Maneuver With Things

Instead, try opening a beverage can with the pad of your finger or use paperclips to reach for stuff in a tight spot. Using your fingernails as tools might result in breaking and chipping, weakening the nail.

Keep Your Nails Moisturized 

After removing the nail polish, or on days when you're feeling extra dehydrated, apply a hand lotion to your hands, being careful to moisturize your nails as well. This is something you can do each time after washing your hands.

Avoid using products that dry out the skin. If you're going to use hand sanitizers, avoid getting them over your nails and use a reasonable amount. Using a sanitizer on a regular basis might be harmful to your nails. This is due to the fact that the alcohol content in the product dries out the nails (and hands), causing them to become brittle.

Switch up your Nail Filing Habits

One Direction is a lot more than simply a beloved boy band. It is the way of life. No, seriously, we mean it. File your nails in one direction!  

Filing your fingernails as if you're using a sawing back-and-forth might actually weaken them. 

However, using one direction can be gentle on the edges of the nails as well as signal you when to stop. Too much filing can end up weakening your nails and affecting the nail matrix badly.

It’s basic tips like this that can turn your nails into a picture of health and vitality. Though it might be the simple things it’s often those that we tend to neglect in our day-to-day lives. Remember, the conundrum of how to ensure healthy nails doesn’t need to be answered with expensive trips to the salon. You can manage most of these tips at home by yourself.