Do Clean Up
If it’s your habit to just rinse and go, it’s time to rethink how you wash your hands. Germs can collect under your nails. You should scrub them with soap every time you wash your hands. Give yourself bonus points if you use a nail brush.
Don’t Bite!
Biting your nails can make you sick by giving cold-causing viruses an express ticket into your mouth. And if you happen to puncture or tear the skin, it sets you up for ingrown nails or infection.
Got a hangnail? Cut it off. Don’t bite or rip it.
Do Keep Them Dry
Bacteria and fungi thrive in moist environments, plus waterlogged nails are more likely to split. When you’re done at the sink or in the shower, dry your hands and feet thoroughly.
Pull on a pair of gloves when you clean or wash dishes. Wear socks and shoes made of breathable material and change them often, especially if the insides feel damp and sweaty.
Do Trim — the Right Way
The healthiest nails are cut short and straight across. Long nails are more likely to break and tear, and bacteria can live under them.
When you trim your toenails, don’t cut too deeply along the sides of them, or it could lead to an ingrown toenail.
Don’t Wear Shoes That Don’t Fit
If they’re too small or too big, or too narrow and tight, it can cause problems like ingrown nails. Shoes that rub can cause blisters or sores that can get infected. Read more
Read also: The Effects of Aging on Skin
