Weddings, barbecues and family events.
Summer is around the corner and it is likely you will be showing your face at one of these events.
Are you ready to get your nails summer ready?
Taking care of your nails is not just for aesthetic reasons. Real diseases, including certain types of cancers can develop underneath the nails.
In this post, you will learn 5 rules that will help you enjoy healthy nails all summer long and beyond.
Here we go.
5 rules for healthy nails
Wash your nails and keep them clean
Our hands and nails are probably the parts of our body that come to contact with the most dirt and microbes daily.
Washing your hands and nails regularly is the first step to enjoying healthy nails.
No nail-biting
We know.
Sometimes your nerves get the best of you and you are tempted to chomp on those nails because it is the only way you keep calm.
However, if you want to enjoy healthy nails for the long-term, some way, somehow, you will have to ditch the nail biting habit.
Apart from it making your nails look jagged and uneven, sometimes nail biting can lead to skin infections around your nails and cuticles.
Another way to cope to with your nerves?
Chew gum or go for a walk every time you feel like biting your nails.
Cut your nails straight across.
Keeping your nails cut straight across prevents jagged and uneven edges. It also reduces your risk for ingrown nails.
Ingrown nails are painful and can easily become infected.
For people who have diabetes, making sure you don’t have ingrown nails is especially important as such wounds can cause further diabetic complications.
Use an emery board or nail file to keep your nails straight across so you avoid these problems.
If you are currently suffering from an ingrown nail, visit your dermatologist for treatment.
Wear flip flops/footwear in public showers and pools
Your nails can become easily infected with fungus at public showers and pools.
Nail fungus can thicken your nails and make them look unsightly.
If you frequent public showers, pools and saunas, you can prevent this from happening by wearing protective footwear.
Keep your nails moisturized
Nails become damaged when they are dry and brittle.
We highly recommend that you keep your nails moisturized on a daily basis.
Using lotion on your hands daily will help to keep your nails moisturized and less likely to break.
Another reason to take Omega-3 oils
One of the benefits of Omega-3 oils is that it helps to keep your nails healthy.
Fish like salmon, herring and sardines are rich in Omega-3 oils.
You can also get Omega-3 as a dietary supplement at your local grocery store.
Talk to your dermatologist about any changes you notice in your nails
If you notice any discoloration, swelling, discharge or anything unusual with your nails, it is always best to let your dermatologist know as soon as possible.
Your nails tell a lot about your general health.
The quicker, the related health problem is resolved, the easier it is to treat.
How are you taking care of your nails?
Let us know in the comments below.