Healthy toenails are a sign of good health and regular nail care. Many people are proud to walk around and show off their healthy nails. Healthy nails are attractive and can resist and delay getting toe nail fungus.
The following are tips to promote healthy toenails.
Try biotin: As long as you eat a healthy, varied diet, you don’t need any dietary supplements to guarantee strong healthy nails. However, people with weak nails or nails that break easily may benefit from biotin, a B vitamin. Biotin has been shown to be helpful for strengthening and growing nails.
Polish is OK: Wearing nail polish isn’t going to harm your healthy nails, although you probably should give your nails a break from the polish periodically. It is also better to wear a lighter color polish instead of a darker color to prevent staining the nail. Choose acetone-free nail polish remover, as it is less harsh when drying on the nail.
Moisturize cuticles: Think of your cuticles like the protective caulking around a bathtub. If you cut them back too far or push them around too aggressively, you damage them and they cannot protect the nail, leaving the nail bed open to infection. Remember to moisturize the cuticles as part of regular nail care to maintain healthy nails.
Keep nails trimmed: Trimming nails regularly helps you to maintain healthy nails and helps to avoid snagging or breaking. How frequently you trim will depend on how fast your nails grow. Use a fine file to smooth out the edges of your nails. As part of your manicures, you can also lightly buff the surface of your nails, especially if you tend to get ridges or lines on the nail.
Minimize manicures: Keep manicures simple to preserve healthy nails. Sometimes, you can go in and just get your nail polish removed or shape your nails rather than heavy filing of the nails. Skip the acrylic nails, which can lead to more infections, and be aware that there is a small risk of skin cancer from the UV (ultraviolet) light that is used. Wear sunscreen on your feet if you are going to be exposing your feet.
Wear the correct size shoe to prevent trauma to the feet and toe nails: Wearing shoes that are too small can cause pressure on the nail, and lead to damage or allow fungus to get under the nail. The type of shoe also affects the nail’s health. High heels or pointy mouth shoes can cause more damage to the nail than round or square mouth shoes like sneakers.
Take infections seriously and take action: If you see signs of infection, check with your podiatrist immediately for the needed nail care and treatment. You’ll probably recognize the signs of a bacterial infection (redness, swelling, and pain) but you may miss the early signs of a nail fungal infection, such as puffy, red, irritated skin around the nail bed. Fungal infections go on to make nails yellow or brown, thick and crumbly.
• For more information on foot conditions, visit www.apma.org, healthcentral.com, or email us at foothealth242@gmail.com. To see a podiatrist, visit Bahamas Foot Centre, Rosetta Street, or telephone 325-2996 for an appointment at Bahamas Surgical Associates Centre, Hilltop Medical, or call 394-5820 for an appointment. You can also visit Lucayan Medical Centre in Freeport, Grand Bahama, or telephone 373-7400 for an appointment.
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source https://thenassauguardian.com/habits-for-healthy-toenails/
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