5 tips for strong and healthy nails

Your nails may be one of those things that are unnecessary to care for. What kind of purpose do they serve anyway? I mean sure some of us take great care of our fingernails but I'm sure most of us do so for beauty purposes but until something goes wrong: discolouration, fungal infection, ingrown nails, we don't seem to pay too much attention.

Nail problems appear gradually and can be an indication of your health. Believe it or not the way your nail looks, colour/texture can be warning signs for heart disease, blood count, and nutrition.

Here are some tips for not only well groomed nails but healthy finger and toe nails.

1. Wear rubber gloves when doing house work

Most household chores, from washing dishes to gardening requires you to use your hands extensively. To protect your hands from harsh chemicals and abrasion I recommend using vinyl gloves.

2. Keep your nails hydrated

I'm sure we've all noticed that white edge around cuticle area. Use a little bit of cuticle oil and apply it the the edge to keep your nails hydrated throughout the day! You can substitute with baby oil or better yet just pure olive oil.

3. Trim your toenails straight across


This helps prevent ingrown toenails. Trimming the sides too short may cause the nail corners to taper in.

4. Avoid wearing damp shoes

These can be your work boots or runners. Sometimes your feet may sweat and from the moisture, heat, and dark environment, your damp shoes could be prone to causing bacteria growth. This is the common cause of fungal infection.

5. Wear 100% cotton socks

These are the best for moisture absorption. Thus preventing your chances of fungal infection.

Credit: Medicinenet