Our fingernails and toenails often receive little attention, yet they play a crucial role in daily life and can even offer clues to overall health, according to dermatologists. From protecting sensitive tissues to aiding in simple tasks like picking up small objects, proper nail care is essential.
“Healthy nails should be firm. They should not be soft. They should be shiny. They can have some lines in them, but they should generally be very smooth,” says Dr. Shari Lipner, a professor of clinical dermatology and director of the Nail Division at Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Neglecting nail health can lead to a range of issues, from brittle nails and painful hangnails to more serious conditions like fungal infections. Untreated fungal infections, Dr. Lipner notes, can be highly contagious and spread to other areas of the skin.
One of the most common mistakes people make is trimming or manipulating the cuticles. “So many people want to trim their cuticles, push their cuticles, accept away their cuticles. We require to understand why we have cuticles in the first place,” explains Dr. Lipner. The cuticle acts as a protective barrier, preventing bacteria and fungus from entering the skin and disrupting nail growth. Removing it can increase the risk of infection, according to dermatologist and nail specialist Dr. Dana Stern.
If cuticle management is necessary, gently pushing them back with a washcloth after showering or bathing is recommended to maintain neatness without compromising the protective barrier. Hangnails should be clipped at the base with nail clippers or scissors.
The shape in which nails are cut too matters. Cutting nails straight across, rather than in an oval shape, can help prevent ingrown nails. Filing with a glass or crystal file, as opposed to a cardboard emery file, creates a smoother edge and reduces the risk of breaks and splits, Dr. Stern advises.
Moisturizing is key to maintaining nail health. Cuticle oil, containing ingredients like grapeseed oil, vitamin E, lemongrass, and jojoba oil, can hydrate nails and cuticles. Moisturizing creams, richer in oils, can provide longer-lasting hydration for the hands.
Frequent manicures and pedicures can also take a toll. Acetone-based polish removers can cause brittleness, and prolonged use of nail polish can stain toenails. Hard gels and acrylics, while aesthetically pleasing, can weaken nails over time. Taking breaks from these treatments allows natural nails to “breathe” and recover.
Regularly checking nails for changes in color or texture is also critical. Signs like green spots, dark lines, cracks, divots, or excessive ridges warrant a visit to a dermatologist.
Protecting nails from prolonged exposure to water is crucial, as nails are highly absorbent. Wearing gloves during tasks like dishwashing or gardening can help prevent weakness and breakage.
Dr. Stern emphasizes that nail health can be a window into overall health. Changes in nail appearance can sometimes indicate underlying health issues, such as vitamin deficiencies or liver disease. She recommends including nails in annual skin checks with a primary care physician or dermatologist, ensuring all polish, acrylics, and gels are removed beforehand to allow for a thorough examination.
