Tips to maintain hygiene of Finger nails to avoid deadly diseases

It looks funny or inconsequential that I am talking about finger nail hygiene as just wash hands that’s it. Why this topic needs attention? 

Here’s a logic of focusing fingernails hygiene. Fingernails are vital part of human body. Though these do not have living cells but contribute a lot for developing healthy personality.

General information about fingernails:

Fingernails are composed of laminated layers of a protein termed as keratin. These grow from the area at the base of the nail under cuticle. Healthy fingernails are smooth, without depths or grooves. They look uniform in colour and consistency and do not have any spot or staining.

For good care and maintaining hygiene of fingernails, we all must have to follow some precautions and adopt cleanliness habits. These are as under:

First thing to closely look at the fingernails and assess whether these are healthy and clean. As a good evaluator, people must check whether there is any crests, dents, or discoloration or misshape.

To prevent nail infections and maintain hand hygiene, we must carefully clean and trim fingernails, which may contain dirt and germs and can lead to several infections, such as pinworms. It is recommended that fingernails should be kept short, and the undersides should be cleaned regularly with soap and water.

When females are using any nail grooming tools, it is highly recommended to clean or sterilize these tools before use.

We must apply a cream to moisturize nails, especially after removing nail polish.

It is not suggested to cut cuticles, as they prevent infection.

Time to visit dermatologist:

People must take advice from dermatologist if they observe the following conditions:

v Some changes in nail colour, such as discoloration of the entire nail or a dark line under the nail.

v Changes in nail shape, such as curled nails.

v Thinning or thickening of the nails.

v Separation of the nail from the adjacent skin.

v Bleeding around the nails.

v Inflammation or pain around the nails.

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 Poor habits that leads to damage of finger nails and prone to infection:

Some people have habit to bite or chew nails in social gathering or when they get nervous. They must have to change these poor habits as there are strong chances of getting infection through these activities. These habits also harm substantially on the nail bed.

Ripping live tissue along with the hangnail is poor habit.

Some people ignore the nail problems and take it lightly. But people must take it seriously and visit doctor dermatologist for an evaluation.

Some threatening facts that all of us must know:

 As we know that dirty nails are host of germs and inflate fungal infection. These infection leads nail disorders and people become seriously ill if proper care at right time is not taken. Another lethal ailment, Melanoma, form of skin cancer, can grow under the nail in exceptional cases. Therefore finger nails need continuous attention.

Today females are beauty conscious and visit to parlour for manicures. But when they opt such treatment, some precautions must be taken to keep fingernails healthy and strong. They must check whether beautician has maintained good hygiene or not. Tools must be sterilized and ask beautician to use disposable tissue paper for wiping nails. 

We all are beauty conscious but unknowingly ignore our nails hygiene. When there is discoloration or staining, it indicates that finger nails need attention and proper care. Now the time has come to observe finger nails and some basic steps can keep your nails beautiful as well healthy.