Nails!

Nails reflect our overall health condition. But do we take care of our nails? Most of us do not seek time to take care of these little important health issues like nails. When it comes to taking care of your nails, getting a manicure is not the only option. You must take care of your nails on a daily basis.

Your fingernails are composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin which grow from the area at the base of the nail under your cuticle. Healthy fingernails are commonly smooth, without grooves, uniform in colour and consistency and free from spots and lack discoloration.Fingernails develop ridges running vertically from the cuticle to the tip of the nail and they tend to become more prominent with age. Fingernails often develop white lines or spots due to injury. All nail conditions are not normal.

Consultation with doctor or dermatologist is necessary if you notice:

·Failure of nails to grow out

·Bleeding around your nails

·Thinning or thickening of the nails

·Swelling or pain around the nails

·Separation of the nail from the surrounding skin

·Changes in your nail shape and colour

·Discoloration of the entire nail

·Dark streak under the nail

Few Signs of Healthy Nails:

·Nail plates are of pinkish-white in colour.

·Existence of cuticles.

·Half-moon shaped prominent white section (known as lunula) at nail base.

Few Signs of Unhealthy Nails:

·Splitting or peeling of nails due to dryness or vitamin deficiency.

·Tiny white spots imply you are biting your nails or painting them too often.

·Horizontal grooves resulting from stress or high fevers.

·Spoon-shaped nails can be a sign of iron deficiency or anaemia.

SOME WAYS OF TAKING CARE OF NAILS

Moisturize nail bed and the cuticle.

Avoid using nail hardeners.

Do not cut or manipulate cuticles.

Take biotin supplements.

Avoid acetone or formaldehyde-based nail polish and removers.

Limit exposure to professional manicures and contact with cleaning chemicals.

Choose nail tips instead of full extensions.

Watch your nails for any sign of health problems

Avoid ingrown nails

Massage your nails to keep them strong and shiny

To maintain strong nails avoid filing in a back and forth motion.

Use acetate-based removers.

Adding milk and a hard-boiled egg to your diet are healthy for your nails.

Keep fingernails dry and clean which prevent bacteria from growing under your fingernails.