Looking After your Nails

Looking After your Nails

Nails reflect our overall health, which is why proper nail care is so important. Here are our Top Tips for keeping your nails healthy:

-Keep nails clean and dry.
-Cut nails straight across. Use sharp nail scissors or clippers. Round the nails slightly at the tips for maximum strength. (avoid very long/pointed nails which can break more easily)
-Keep nails shaped and free of snags by filing with an emery board.
-Do not bite fingernails or remove the cuticle. Doing so can damage the nail and increase the risk of infection of the surrounding skin.
-Do not use your nails as a tool, such as opening drinks cans which can lead to trauma of the nail.
-Trim toenails regularly. Keeping them short will minimize the risk of trauma and injury especially with walking/running.
-When toenails are thick and difficult to cut, soak your feet in warm water and soak for 5 to 10 minutes. (you can also add an emollient to moisturise the skin and soften the nail)
-Avoid “digging out” ingrown toenails, especially if they are infected and sore. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, see your GP or Dermatologist for treatment.
-Wear flip flops at the pool and in public showers. This reduces the risk of developing fungal nail infections (yellow/brittle, thickened nails) and verrucae on the soles of the feet.
-If your nails change in colour such as a line of pigmentation/darker area of the nail or yellowing of the nail or they become painful/brittle, see your dermatologist because these can be signs of infection or a mole/changing lesion of the nail.

If you have diabetes or poor circulation, it’s especially important to seek treatment for any nail problems and to go to a chiropodist/podiatrist regularly. If you have questions or concerns about caring for your nails contact your GP or Dermatologist.