Nail Care 101
If you've ever had an ingrown toenail or a nail fungus, you know what we mean when we say nail care is for more than simple aesthetics.
It can help prevent infections, promote hygiene, and allow for early detection of potential health issues.
All in all, nails reflect our overall health, which is why proper nail care is so important. Here are our guidelines for keeping your nails pretty and healthy:
Keep nails clean and dry. Bacteria and fungi thrive in a moist environment. By maintaining clean, dry nails, you prevent bacteria from growing underneath your nails. Too much water exposure can also weaken your nails. You can protect the nails by wearing gloves when washing dishes and moisturizing the hands after prolonged water exposure.
Cut nails (essp. toenails) regularly. Always use sharp nail clippers cut straight across, being careful to cut too short (below the pulp/skin of the toe). Gently file down the corners of the nail tips and buff to get rid of any lifting/splitting/chipping. Keeping toenails short can reduce the risk of blunt trauma and cutting straight across prevents ingrown nails.
Do not bite nails. Doing so can damage the nail and introduce unhealthy bacteria to your mouth.
Choose the right footwear. Wear shoes that fit properly and alternate which pair of shoes you wear each day. Shoes should be both wide enough and deep enough to accomodate the toes. For width, look for a shoe bed that has a thumbs width space between longest toe and end of the shoe when worn. Always check inside your footwear for any hidden seams which may rub/irritate the skin leading to redness, hard skin and possibly ulcerations. Be sure to wear flip flops of other protective footwear when using pools and public showers to reduce the risk of fungal infections.
