Nails: Hand Health, Brittleness Treatment and Care
Nails: Hand Health, Brittleness Treatment and Care
Our nails can tell a lot about how we live our lives. Filled to the brim with dirt and oil could probably determine we like getting our hands dirty or work as a mechanic. Another point of view is that if you have a nice set of nails perfectly manicured and fairly long ones can say you do not do much with your hands that involves dirty work and like maintaining a nice and healthy set.
Nails are essential for our well being and self-image though. Being part of something that constantly touches our face and mouth, having a dirty set of nails can often lead to other sicknesses or complications through contact, especially after a long day out and touching all sorts of things. That is why proper care is always needed so that not only we defend our immune system but our hands as well.
Nails can also suffer from many ailments if not taken care of properly. If ignored, they could destroy the nail completely. These are usually fungi related diseases that are caught through touch and harvest after a slight temperature drop of the body.
Nail care is a pretty extensive matter, which is normally undertaken by ourselves and at times professionals. The best we can do is maintain them clean and pay close attention to any change that is produced in them, especially if it looks irregular or feels painful. Some changes are quite similar, producing the nail to grow certain ways or shapes, change colors or at times even start peeling off, all conditions that we should not ignore.
The first step to proper care of the nails is to trim them correctly. Now, many of us only cut them when we feel they have become too long and they have begun to bother us. This should not be the case. The nails should be cut every week or two to keep form and the way we do so is also of high importance. They should never be hacked or slashed improperly so as to have gashes or split ends. Biting should also be avoided at all costs since it is only a gateway to getting any bacteria or what not in your mouth and into your body. Biting them is also very unhealthy for their shape and well being
When trimming, try getting a rather symmetrical and square shape, never round. Many of us do the mistake of cutting them in a round or oval shape because it seems easier and we can still scratch with them but this can lead to ingrown nails or peeling skin around the nail which is bother rather painful and uncomfortable. Also try to keep a big of the white end still visible and poking out. This will help keep the pad of skin healthy and impede dirt and what not to get under it.
Some people often file their nails as well to keep their shape. It is not something you need to, especially if you have brittle or soft nails that break easily. The filing could damage them and hurt you, but in other cases could strengthen them. It all depends on the severity you do it with or if you get a professional to do.
Brittle nails are probably one of the biggest issues when it comes to manicure problems and this also applies to guys. A broken nail is so painful at times because of the compact nerves found in the pad of skin under it and can become infected rather quickly. You can avoid certain things so as to strengthen them and avoid any case of braking.
These things could be neglecting chemicals or harmful polish for a while since too much of it is damaging, especially the remover for such said polish. Keep your hands hydrated, not only by drinking water but wash them properly. Get a proper diet with balances between greens, meats and fruit since all the vitamins, minerals and protein help your body regulate the hormones.
The nails on your toes are also of high importance since feet are at the biggest risk when facing diseases and infection. Moist environments, walking barefoot or not having clean socks and shoes can lead to fungi growth and nail complications. This means that you should always have a fresh pair of socks to wear, use powder if required, remember to have a healthy diet and never clip your cuticles since it makes infection that much easier.
Another thing that is worth mentioning is that even though washing is very good for your hands and feet, too much of it is also very damaging, even more so when with cleaning chemicals. Yes keeping your house clean and what not is important but it is imperative to do all the work with gloves and protective wear so as to not harm your nails.
The last piece of advice I have for you and your nails is to pay close attention to any change. I know I have already said it but it is imperative that you do. The color, the texture and the basic feeling from the nails can tell if you are suffering from any disease or affliction. The usual changes to worry about are paleness, yellow tinged, half pink and half white or completely white ones. These could all be related to complications of the liver, kidney, blood and lungs.
Many of us take our nails as granted tools to scratch or please the aesthetic sense in our life but they are so much more than that. They are there to help us keep on top of our well being and we have to take care of them as much as we can. This does not mean that you should spend every waking hour maintaining a perfect manicure or pedicure but rather to know that you should keep them clean, away from bad environments and any harmful chemicals. Trust me you do not want to face other complications later on the road.
Summarizing, take care of your nails, both hands and feet. Fungi or brittleness may seem like a small subject that can be treated but it is no fun to do so. Also trim them properly and prevent any future visit to the doctor with a healthy diet and proper attention. Nails are important, don't you ever forget that.
