Fingernails: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Healthy fingernails are made of layers of keratin and grow from the base beneath your cuticle. They should be smooth, without pits or grooves, and have consistent color and thickness, free from spots or discoloration. Sometimes, harmless vertical ridges appear, running from the cuticle to the tip of the nail, becoming more prominent with age. White spots may also develop due to minor injuries but typically disappear as the nail grows. However, not all nail conditions are normal. Consult your doctor or a dermatologist if you notice any of the following: • Changes in nail color, such as the entire nail losing color or developing dark spots beneath it. • Changes in nail shape, such as curling. • Changes in nail thickness, either thinning or thickening. • Separation of the nail from the surrounding skin. • Bleeding around the nails. • Swelling or pain around the nails. • Nails not growing properly.

Nail Care: What to Do

To keep your nails in their best shape, follow these tips: • Keep nails dry and clean: This helps prevent bacteria from growing under your nails. Frequent or prolonged contact with water can cause nails to crack, so wear rubber gloves lined with cotton when washing dishes, cleaning, or using chemicals. • Practice good nail hygiene: Use sharp nail scissors or clippers. Trim your nails straight across, then round the tips gently. • Moisturize your nails: When applying hand lotion, rub the lotion into your nails and cuticles as well. • Apply a protective layer: Use a nail hardener to help strengthen your nails. • Ask your doctor about biotin: Some studies suggest that the supplement biotin may help strengthen weak or brittle nails.

Nail Care: What to Avoid

To prevent nail damage, steer clear of these habits: • Biting your nails or picking at the cuticles: These habits can damage the nail bed. Even minor cuts can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause infections. • Pulling off hangnails: You might rip live tissue along with the hangnail. Instead, clip hangnails carefully. • Using harsh nail care products: Limit your use of nail polish removers, especially those containing acetone, which can weaken nails. • Ignoring problems: If you have a nail issue that doesn't seem to resolve on its own or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your doctor or dermatologist for evaluation.

A Note on Manicures and Pedicures

If you rely on salons for manicures and pedicures, keep a few things in mind. Choose salons that display a current state license, and make sure the technicians are licensed by state boards as well. Avoid having your cuticles removed, as they protect the nail from infection. Ensure that all tools used during manicures and pedicures are properly sterilized to prevent the spread of infection. You may also want to inquire about how foot baths are cleaned. Ideally, a bleach solution is used between customers, and filters are regularly cleaned. While it’s easy to overlook your nails, maintaining their health and strength requires some basic, simple steps.