Health Photos
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To keep your nails healthy, it is necessary to keep them hydrated. Rub a small amount of petroleum jelly into your cuticle and the skin surrounding the nails every evening before you go to bed or whenever your nails feel dry.
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Always keep two pairs of shoes and switch between them. This will help prevent fungal infections.
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Wear 100 percent cotton socks as they are best for absorbing dampness and prevents fungal infection.
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File your nails correctly. Avoid filing in a back-and-forth motion - only go in one direction. And never file just after a shower or bath as wet nails break more easily.
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If your nails are too brittle and dry, you should increase the consumption of food that items rich in vitamin A (such as apricots, broccoli, carrot and cheese) and calcium (such as milk, yoghurt, cheese and almonds). Consume foods containing calcium and zinc. Calcium effectively promotes nail growth.
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Every night before going to bed, wash your hands thoroughly, wipe them dry with a towel and apply a hand moisturizer.
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Drink plenty of water and fresh fruit juices. Carrot juice is rich in calcium and phosphorus that helps strengthen your nails.
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Consume less sugar and less alcohol as poor nails could be outcome of iron deficiency or liver problems, which can be caused by a high intake of alcohol.
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Eat fewer saturated fats. Ensure that you consume enough protein. Try to increase your intake of Vitamins A, B, C, D and E.
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Trim nails regularly, as needed. Use an emery board or nail file to smooth rough edges after trimming and when a nail breaks.
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Dry your hands for at least two minutes after washing the dishes, taking a bath/shower etc. You should also dry your toes thoroughly after swimming or showering. Leaving them damp raises the risk of fungal infection.
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Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. This is particularly important if you have diabetes.
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Never use an acetone-based or formaldehyde-based nail polish remover. Try to use or apply remover that has acetate in it.
