Strong nails depend on care and a balanced diet. Discover the importance of caring for them and learn how to keep them moisturized and free of infections.
Nails are hard, translucent structures at the tip of our fingers, which perform important functions and can be a reflection of our general health.
Structure:
Nail bed: Surface where the nail is.
Cuticle: Protects it from infections. It is a thin layer of skin at the base.
Lunula: It is the whitish half moon.
Matrix: It is where the growth occurs.
They protect the most sensitive part of our fingers, help to exert more pressure when touching, and make it easier to manipulate objects.
Toenails help maintain balance when walking.
Keeping your nails clean and well cared for is more than just an aesthetic issue; it prevents them from carrying fungi or bacteria. In this way, you will prevent them from triggering diseases.
These hard, translucent structures on hands and feet, if poorly cared for, can cause infections.
Maintaining good hygiene protects you from germs and also protects people in your family.
On the more emotional side, they are related to the need to defend ourselves. Therefore, they can scratch, cut and tear. They can also be used as a handy scratching tool.
According to experts: Short nails are more stylish than long ones. However, colors look much better on long nails.
Practice good nail hygiene. That’s why we give you the following practical tips:
- Keep them dry and clean.
- Keeping them short prevents infections and bacteria.
- Wash your hands with warm water and mild soap.
- Use manicure scissors or sharp nail clippers.
- Apply a protective layer.
- Use a moisturizing cream.
- Keep them and your cuticles moisturized.
- You should avoid exposure to chemicals such as cleaners and solvents, which are harmful.
- Wear gloves when doing household chores with chemicals.
- Drink enough water to keep them hydrated from the inside.
- Avoid biting them.
- If you notice white spots on the surface, file them off, soak them in water, dry them and apply a medicated cream or lotion.
- To safely disinfect acrylic nails, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Consistent manicures and pedicures help us remove dead skin cells, improve circulation, and have hydrated, soft skin.
- Keep in mind that not cutting them can cause them to grow into the surrounding skin, which can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
Diet:
- Maintaining a balanced diet strengthens you and is reflected in the health of your nails. Follow these tips:
- Biotin (vitamin B7), is the most well-known vitamin used to promote the health of these structures. In doing so, it helps strengthen them and prevent them from becoming brittle. In fact, it is found in foods such as eggs, nuts, fish, avocados, and green leafy vegetables.
- Also, eat foods high in iron, zinc, and calcium.
- Through these, clues about the state of your overall health can be seen by their color, shape, and texture.
For example:
- Healthy nails are usually smooth and uniform in color, without spots or discoloration.
- Yellow nails can reveal various diseases, such as specific mycoses and fungi. In severe cases, they also indicate conditions such as psoriasis, HIV, and kidney disease, among others.
- Vertical lines: These can indicate weak nails and are also linked to nutritional and genetic problems.
- Horizontal lines: These indicate healthy nail growth. They also refer to natural wear and tear over time.
- Leukonychia corresponds to white streaks or spots, often due to medications or diseases.
Follow all these tips and you will be able to show off strong, healthy, and beautiful nails. If you have any problems, consult a dermatologist.
In short, our nails are more than just beauty. They are a window to our general health and reflect our well-being. Therefore, keeping them healthy, strong and with a natural shine is the result of a good diet, proper care and healthy habits.
