7 Tips for Healthy Nails

1. Keep nails clean and dry. Moist environments are conducive to fungal infections and brittle nails.
2. Do not remove your cuticle. The cuticle serves as a protective barrier. When we remove it, we expose ourselves to the possibility of infection. If you’re having a manicure or pedicure, ask your nail technician to simply push your cuticles back.
3. Trim your toenails regularly. Keeping them short will decrease the risk of trauma and injury. It will also decrease the risk of ingrown nails.
4. If your toenails are thick and difficult to trim, soak your feet in warm salt water. Mix one teaspoon of salt in a pint of water and soak for about 10 minutes.
5. Avoid “digging out” ingrown toenails, especially if they are infected and sore. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, see your provider at Florida Skin Center.
6. Wear shoes that fit! This one sounds simple enough, but wearing the wrong shoes can really affect our toenails. Shoes that are too tight may cause our nails to thicken from the trauma of constant rubbing. Also, wearing closed-toe shoes can make nails brittle. Alternate between closed-toe and open-toe shoes when ever possible.
7. Wear flip flops in wet environments. If you’re going to the pool or using public showers at the gym, protect your feet with sandals. This reduces the risk of fungal infections of the toenails and feet.