How to prevent nail problems and injuries

Minor toenail and fingernail problems are extremely common. At some point of time, almost everyone has suffered from ripping or smashing of the nail, leaving blood underneath the tips. Such injuries can be painful but are normally not serious. However, there are a lot of ways to prevent nail problems and injuries at home by following the advice offered below.

Preventing common nail problems

Here are a few habits you must inculcate in your daily routine to keep your nails healthy:

1. Massage hand cream into your cuticles and nails a couple of times a day.
2. Wear protective gloves when working in the garden and during the winter season.
3. Wear disposable plastic gloves when using detergents and similar chemicals.
4. Trim your fingernails on a weekly basis, right after bathing.
5. Trim your toenails on a monthly basis
6. If you suffer from a chronic disease, such as peripheral arterial disease, diabetes, or problems related to the immune system, discuss the best ways to trim your toenails with your doctor.
7. Be extremely careful when trimming the nails of a baby.
8. Never pick or bite your nails.

Preventing fungal nail infection

1. Always keep your feet dry and clean. Clean, dry feet are have a very small chance of becoming infected. It is important to apply powder to the feet if needed.
2. Wear dry, clean socks. If you have a problem with sweat, change your socks more frequently in a day.
3. Avoid wearing tight shoes. Wear roomy shoes that help with air circulation around the feet.
4. Wear shower shoes or shower sandals when using public spas, pools, and showers.

Preventing artificial nail problems

1. You must always start by testing your skin’s reaction to the artificial nail by applying just one artificial nail first. Wait for at least three days to see redness, pain, itching, or rash under the nail or around it.
2. Do not use artificial nails if the skin surrounding the nail or the skin around it looks infected or irritated.
3. In case the artificial nail separates from the nail bed, make sure you dip your fingernails inside rubbing alcohol for fifteen seconds before attaching the nail again. This will help in cleaning the space in between the nails.
4. Avoid wearing artificial nails for too long at a stretch. Give your fingertips a month of rest before applying the artificial nails again.

These small steps will go a long way in keeping the health of your toe and finger nails intact. Make sure you keep these tips in mind and follow them to ensure beautiful and healthy finger nails for the rest of your life. However, in case you see any redness, red streaks, pus, or any other odd symptom make sure you contact your doctor immediately.