SKINIPEDIA - Skin Encyclopedia: Skin Essentials - Nails

THE SKIN ESSENTIALS IN A NUTSHELL - Part 18, NAILS

PROPER CARE OF THE NAILS

Avoid biting, picking, or injuring the nails. Because they grow slowly, an injury can be present for many months. Wear rubber or disposable plastic gloves with cotton liners when exposed to detergents and chemicals that can weaken, split, and discolor the nails. Between uses, turn the gloves inside out to dry to prevent microorganisms from growing in
the glove.

Trim fingernails weekly. Nails that are smooth and cared for are less likely to be damaged. Use an emery board or sharp manicure scissors or clippers. If the nails are thickened, trim them after bathing. Bevel the edges with the fine side of the
emery board.

Never trim cuticles as it is a point of entry for bacteria and fungi and would promote infection. Use polish remover sparingly as it can weaken and dry the nails.

Polish covers the nails and protects them –– apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat. Touch up chips rather than removing all of the polish to avoid using the polish remover as long as possible.

Avoid nail care products that are supposed to strengthen the nail. Artificial nails may produce reactions beneath the nails. Cuticle removers are corrosive. There is no scientific evidence that gelatin capsules, calcium tablets, or other vitamin or protein products improve and strengthen the nails.

Cut toenails straight across and not too short. This needs to be done only about once a month because toenails grow more slowly than fingernails. They also tend to be thicker and the best time for trimming is after bathing. Take care of ingrown toenails which usually occur on the big toe –– they form when the edge of the nail curls and grows into the soft underlying tissue. They are caused by improper cutting of the nails. If you have a slightly ingrown nail, pare off the excess nail and put tiny bits of sterile cotton under the affected edge to lift it up. Change the cotton daily until the pain and redness subside. If an infection develops, (evidenced by severe pain and a discharge of pus), see a physician.

Do not attempt to pull off a hangnail. Pulling almost always tears into living tissue. Instead, clip it off neatly, leaving a slight angle outward. Lubrication may help prevent recurrence. Remember, nail care products cannot give you healthy nails. The only way to help your nails look their best is to protect them from damage and irritants (chemicals and detergents), and then clean and trim them regularly.