NAILS HYGIENE

In summary

• A nail is a horn-like envelope covering tips of fingers and toes in most primates and other few animals.

• Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protective protein called alpha-keratin.

Healthy nails

Our nails need to be taken care of. To prevent germs and infection, one should maintain his/her nails short and trim them more often since long nails may harbor dirt. An appropriate nail hygiene includes scrubbing underside nail with soap and water or nail brush helps prevents infection. Nail grooming tools for example finger clippers and files should be thoroughly cleaned before use.

Sterilizing this equipment before use especially when shared by a people like in commercial salons, reduces the chances of fingernails or toenails swelling at the surrounding skin or pain in the surrounding.

In summary, to prevent nail infections, the following must be taken into consideration:

· Never ripe or bite a hangnail, instead, clip it with a clean and sanitized nail trimmer.

· Avoid biting or chewing nails.

· Avoid cutting cuticles as they act as barriers to prevent infections.

· Keep nails short and trim them more often.

· In commercial settings such as nail salon, sterilize nail grooming tools before use.

· Scrub underside of the nail with soap and running water whenever you wash your hands.

ALSO READ: BONES HEALTH

"You can tell a lot from a person's nail. When life starts to unravel, they're the first to go. "

Steps of trimming your fingernails and toenails

· Wash and dry your feet first. This makes nails safer and easier to cut since they are less brittle after washing than they otherwise would be.

· Have the right tool(s). Using razor blades, knives, or even regular scissors to cut toenails can not only lead to an improper trim but also greatly increase the risk of cutting yourself. Always use nail clippers or manicure scissors. Leave the smaller clippers for your fingernails and pick bigger ones for your lower digits.

· Trim the nails to the proper length. Ideally, the edge of each nail should be roughly even with the edge of its corresponding toe. Trimming toenails too short puts them at risk for curling downwards and into the skin as they grow.

· Clip nails straight across.

· Many patients who end up with ingrown toenails often round off the corners when trimming their nails. This particular practice is likely done because it’s how we generally trim our fingernails. Toenails, though, should be cut straight across and not angled or rounded to keep them from becoming ingrown.

· File jagged edges. This is best done with the use of an emery board or nail file. When filing the ends of the nails, be sure to do so in a single direction. Filing back and forth actually weakens the nail tissue.

ALSO READ: DENTAL HEALTH

Some of the nail disorders include:

a) Nail pitting

b) Nail clubbing

c) Terry's nail

d) Spoon nail

e) Nail separation

f) Yellow syndrome.

In conclusion, let's keep our fingernails and toenails healthier by ensuring our nails are short and clean all the times. Wearing gloves while working prevents germs and dirt from accumulating underside nails.

BY BRIAN SAMUEL

lastybrian@gmail.com

Writer Living Well Column

EDITED BY AMOS MAKOKHA

CHIEF EDITOR EAT FIT