Nail Bruise vs Fungus: Which One Do I Have?
Nail Bruise vs Fungus: Which One Do I Have? If
How to Take Care of Your Nails: + Dos and Don'ts
Your nails say a great deal about your overall health. Whether you prefer a natural look or you prefer to go for manicures, healthy nails don’t just look great; they also serve a practical purpose.
The unfortunate reality is that they are often overlooked until a big issue arises. These expert-backed dos and don’ts will guide your nail care routine.
The Importance of Good Nail Health
Fingernails and toenails can indicate health issues, respond to daily habits, and be damaged by cosmetic practices. They can also show that you are experiencing too much stress. Strong nails without discoloration are also a sign of good health.
Nail care can also prevent common issues, including painful splits, infections, and hangnails, you must adopt the right care routine so you can keep everything in top shape.
What Does a Healthy Nail Look Like?
If you want to have healthy nails, then here are some of the things you need to look out for.
Smooth in Texture
Healthy nails should be smooth in texture, with a pinkish color. There should also be a defined lunula, and free from spots and ridges.
Firm and Not Brittle
Healthy fingernails should also be firm and not overly soft or brittle. They should also not be dry or cracked.
Free from Yellow Staining, Pitting or Black Lines
If you notice changes in your fingernails, such as them yellowing, pitting, separating from the nail bed, or even black lines, then this may be a good sign for you to see a doctor.
How to Take Care of Your Nails
If you want to learn how to take care of your nails, then you’ll be glad to know that there are a few things that you can do at home. Learning how to strengthen nails is easy when you know what steps to take, and it can make a huge difference to your overall approach to nail health.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Keep nails clean and dry | Bite your nails or pick them |
| Trim nails regularly, straight across | Use dirty metal nail tools |
| Moisturize your hands | Use nails to scrape things |
| Wear gloves when dealing with chemicals | Ignore signs of infection |
| Use acetone-free products | Peel off nail polish |
| Regularly inspect your nails | Get manicures too close together |
| Disinfect nail tools after use | Share clippers or nail tools |
| Apply strengthening base coats | Leave polish on for too long |
Important: Always confirm fungus with a doctor if OTC treatments fail.
Tips For Better Nail Care
If you want to practice better nail care, then there are a few things that you can do.
Hydrate Yourself
If you want to ensure good fingernail health, then the first thing you need to do is hydrate yourself. When you drink water, you hydrate yourself from the inside out. Eating foods that are high in biotin, including eggs, almonds, and even leafy greens are all very good to do here.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Household cleaners can be very damaging to your nails. Damaged nails can be affected by the chemicals in cleaning products. You may find that they end up becoming incredibly dry, and this can lead to cracking and splitting. Wear gloves, and also incorporate a gentle moisturizer.
Use Cuticle Cream
Cuticle creams help to keep your nail beds hydrated, and they can also prevent splitting and breakage. Knowing the difference between healthy cuticles vs unhealthy ones will help you to find the right products, and it will also help you to pinpoint the root cause of your nail issues.
Use Good Nail Tools
If you use nail clippers and unsanitized files, then this can lead to infections. If you can invest in quality tools, then this will help you to strengthen your nails, and it will also help you to prevent breakage.
Take a Break
Take a break from using nail polish if you find that you’re using it quite a lot. Going polish-free for just a few days each month will give your nails the chance to recover, and it will also help them to strengthen naturally. If you want to improve your nails, then buff them to smooth out ridges. Do not scrape them, as this can thin the plate. You might also want to invest in other forms of foot care as well, including removing calluses, as this can make it easier to practice self-care.
Have a Healthy Nail-Strengthening Diet
Try to include biotin-rich foods in your diet, such as eggs, almonds, leafy greens, and salmon.
Do I Need Professional Help?
Sometimes, even though you might have tried hard to ensure good nail health, issues persist. In situations like this, it’s a good idea for you to consult your dermatologist or go and see a podiatrist.
You should book an appointment if you notice pain or swelling around the nail. You should also consult them if you see that the nail is separating from the nail bed. This, combined with chronic or fungal infection, can also be a big indicator that you need to see a technician. They can then give you the personalized help you need to get through the issue.
FAQs
How do I strengthen weak nails naturally?
The key to having naturally strong nails lies in eating a balanced diet, avoiding over-soaking in water, and using biotin or collagen supplements.
Can nail health signal other conditions?
Yes, discoloration, ridges, or changes in texture may indicate deficiencies, infections, or systemic conditions.
What’s better: trimming or filing?
Trimming for major length control; filing (in one direction) for shaping and smoothing. The best way to go is to have one (filing) after the other (trimming).
Adrian Fuentes
Lead Product Engineer
With a strong background in engineering and a passion for creating user-focused solutions, Adrian leads the Swissker development team with precision and innovation. Over the past decade, he has helped design and refine tools that combine cutting-edge technology with everyday practicality. Adrian is dedicated to improving quality of life through well-engineered, safe, and effective solutions, backed by rigorous research and a deep understanding of user needs. When not in the lab, he stays current with emerging trends in personal care, wellness, and health-tech innovation to ensure every product meets the highest standards.
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