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Dermatologists Tips for Healthy Nails

September 22, 2019
By: Dermatology Consultants of Frisco

There is actually a great deal of overlap between hair care, nail care and skin care.

The best things you can do for your hair and nails are to keep them clean and nourish them by eating protein-rich foods. Having the condition of your nails professionally evaluated by one of our dermatology consultants is also highly recommended. In some cases, dermatologist advice regarding the health of your nails may indicate the presence of an underlying disease requiring medical attention.

Kindly follow the tips below to drastically improve the health of your nails today.

8 Dermatologist Tips for Healthy Nails

  1. Scrub your hands and nails with a toothbrush and hand soap after removing your nail polish with acetone-free remover. This exfoliates dead skin and nail cells. Giving your nails an extended break from nail polish is also recommended to avoid keratin granulation, a condition that causes rough, white patches on fingernails or toenails.
  2. Disinfect nail files, nail clippers and other nail utensils with rubbing alcohol after each use. Replace used emery boards regularly. Cleaning your nail utensils significantly reduces your susceptibility to infection.
  3. Your cuticles are fine where they are! Pushing them down interferes with their ability to protect your nails from bacterial infections.
  4. Include protein-heavy foods in your diet: chicken, turkey, eggs, oats, yogurt and peanuts. Protein supplements are available that also contain other nutrients beneficial to nail and hair health. Biotin also promotes nail health as well. We recommend adding it to your list of supplements and vitamins.
  5. Moisturizing cuticles and nail beds improves their appearance and protects your nails from chipping and breaking. Fragile nails may simply be dehydrated. Rubbing baby oil on nails over the cuticle will moisturize the entire nail.
  6. The worst thing you can do to mar your nails' health is to bite and gnaw on them. Bacteria can easily transfer itself from your mouth to your nails. In some scenarios, your chewing may lead to an unsighlty skin infection called paronychia. This infection causes a painful, pus-filled swelling around the nail and cuticle.
  7. Examine the color of your nails regularly. Extremely white nails might indicate liver problems while pale nail beds could mean you are anemic. Yellowish nails with slightly red bases may be a sign of diabetes. Of course, abnormal nail hues are not a sure sign of a medical condition but if nails remain the same, odd color for some time, it's best to seek a dermatologist's advice.
  8. Wear gloves when you wash dishes to prevent dry skin. If you are prone to dry skin, wearing gloves during the winter is also recommended.

What About Manicures?

Not only can you keep your hands looking young and attractive with a manicure, but they also help maintain hand and nail health by cleaning and exfoliating dead skin. If you suffer from arthritis, having your hands professionally massaged during the moisturizing part of a manicure promotes blood flow to finger joints and can help relieve soreness.

Additionally, nail technicians are trained to notice signs of fungal infections and abnormal skin conditions. Getting medical treatment as soon as possible for mild infections, or brittle, cracked or pitted nails helps you avoid more serious conditions.

If your nails chip or break easily, appear discolored or experience recurring infections, schedule an appointment with Dermatology Consultants of Frisco today for a comprehensive assessment of your nails’ health.