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Each month Mayo Clinic brings you helpful tips to improve your health.
| | | Health Tips: Nail Care | Hello ,
As you age, your fingernails can naturally become weaker and prone to splitting. Try these tips to keep them healthy and strong.
Do:
Avoid fingernail wetness for extended periods — If your fingernails are wet for a long time, they are at greater risk of splitting. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves during tasks such as washing dishes. Trim properly — Trim your nails straight with softly rounded corners. Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers, and try to trim your nails after a bath or shower. Carefully clip off hangnails. Use moisturizer — Dry nails are more prone to split, so make sure hand lotion reaches your fingernails and cuticles. Clean under your nails — Wash away germs with soap and water. Using a nail brush may be helpful. Try a nail hardener to strengthen nails — But stay away from products with formaldehyde, as repeated use may weaken nails. Eat healthy — Consuming a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats provides the necessary nutrients for healthier nails.
Don't:
Pick at your nails — Don't bite your nails, pick at your cuticles or pull off hangnails. You may damage the nail bed and increase infection risk. Overuse nail polish remover — If remover is needed, use an acetone-free remover. Use your nails like a tool — Don't pry or scrape things with your nails.
Yours in good health,
Daniel Roberts, M.D. Medical Editor, Mayo Clinic Health Letter | | |
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