Long nails can cause infections
The region beneath the cuticle at the nail’s base is where fingernails grow. Layers of a protein known as keratin make up fingernails. Smooth fingernails indicate good health. They have no grooves or pits. They have no spots and are all the same hue.
From the cuticle to the nail tip, fingernails can occasionally develop innocuous ridges known as vertical ridges that go up and down. As people age, vertical ridges usually become more noticeable. Injuries can sometimes cause white patches or lines to appear on the fingernails. These eventually grow out along with the nail.
See your dermatologist or primary care physician if you observe
- color changes, like a dark stripe beneath the nail or a change in the entire nail’s hue.
- variations in nail form, such curled nails.
- progressively thicker or thinner nails.
- pits or grooves, which are dents in the nails that resemble tiny punctures.
- The nail is separating from the surrounding skin.
- bleeding near the fingernails.
- discomfort or swelling around the nails.
- lack of nail growth.
As a symbol of our personal hygiene, nail care is a component of hand hygiene. Our nails protect the ends of our fingers and toes from harm and facilitate picking up objects. Maintaining the cleanliness and correct maintenance of our nails is quite important. Maintaining proper nail hygiene is crucial since we Indians eat with our bare hands; otherwise, hand hygiene is insufficient. Nails can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogens if they are not properly maintained. Serious health issues like viral and bacterial infections could result from this. Frequent hand washing is thought to reduce the risk of respiratory problems brought on by viral infections by up to 21%, gastrointestinal problems by up to 40%, and diarrhea by up to 40%.
Maintain clean, dry fingernails. This prevents the growth of bacteria beneath your fingernails. Fingernails can crack after prolonged or frequent contact with water. When cleaning, dishwashing, or working with harsh chemicals, put on rubber gloves lined with cotton.
Maintain proper nail hygiene. Cut your nails with sharp clippers or manicure scissors. Trim them all the way across. After that, gently curve the tips.
Apply a moisturizer. Use hand lotion, making sure to massage it into your cuticles and fingernails as well.
Put on a layer of protection. Nails may become stronger with the application of a nail hardener.
Inquire about biotin with your doctor. According to some research, the dietary vitamin biotin may be able to strengthen brittle or weak nails.
