Nail care tips - Nail Care Tips in Hindi

Keratin is a type of protein that forms the cells of nails, hair and even skin. Nails start growing under the skin, in the area called the cuticle. When new cells grow under the cuticles, the old cells are pushed outwards. 

The part of the nails that you can actually see are dead cells, and this is the reason why it doesn’t hurt when you cut your nails - unless, of course, you are cutting closer to the dermis or the layer of skin under the nails. The dermis has sensitive nerve endings, so the closer you cut to the dermis the more it will hurt.

Healthy nails are smooth and do not have grooves, pits or discolourations. If your nails are healthy they will have a uniform colour and texture. Sometimes, with age, vertical ridges develop on the nails. These are normal and not a sign of ill health. However, if you observe any of the following in your nails you should consult a doctor or dermatologist immediately:

• Changes in nail colour, even if the discolouration or dark streaks cover a small spot
• Changes in nail shape, like if your nails start curling at the ends 
• Thinning of nails, which can happen due to iron deficiency or vitamin deficiency
• Thickening of nails, which can happen due to trauma or diseases like psoriasis and diabetes
• Separation of the nail from the nail bed, which can be a sign of fungal infection or other issues
• Bleeding under or around the nails, which usually happens due to trauma
• Swelling or pain around the nails, which is common among those who bite or chew their nails
• If nails do not grow at all or properly it could be because you have an underlying condition like fever, internal injury or infection

(Read more: Nail biting: Side effects, causes and management)

Keeping your nails clean is a very important part of your hygiene. There are a few things you should do to clean the nails every time you wash your hands. Other things, like trimming the nails or cleaning the cuticles can be done once a week. If you’re grooming your nails at home, it’s very important to get the right equipment. You will need the following to clean your nails:

• Nail clippers or cutters
• Nail scissors
• Nail file
• Tweezers
• Nail cleaner (medium grain curette)
• Soft brush
• A soft liquid soap
• Salt
• Warm water

Remember to sterilise the equipment before using them every time. You can do this by soaking the instruments in boiling water for 10-15 minutes.

To make sure that your nails are healthy, remember to do the following things. 

• Keep your nails dry and clean to avoid bacteria growth.
• Prolonged contact with water or health issues like iron and vitamin deficiency can cause nails to crack. Make sure you wear gloves and stay away from harsh soaps, dishwashers and detergents if you have this problem or to avoid it.
• Clean your nails every time you wash your hands and take time out at least once a week to care for trim your nails and clean the cuticles.
• Keep your nails moisturised by using petroleum jelly, coconut oil, olive oil or a good hand lotion.
• Include adequate amounts of fruits, lean meats, fish, spinach, beans, eggs, nuts and whole grains in your diet. These promote good nail health.
• Do consult a dermatologist or doctor in case you observe any discolourations or changes in your nails.
• Ask your doctor about using biotin or nail hardeners to make your nails stronger.
• If you’re going to a parlour to get a manicure or pedicure, make sure the beauticians there are trained, use sterilised equipment and their products are not expired. This can minimise the risks of bacterial infections and fungal infections.

Cleaning and grooming for your nails is very important, but making sure you don’t do anything to harm your nails is even more so. Make sure you don’t ever make the following mistakes, because they can be detrimental to your nail health.

• Don’t bite or chew your fingernails. These habits can damage the nail bed and cause infections.
• Don’t cut or trim your cuticles. 
• Don’t try to treat hangnails or ingrown nails by yourself. Consult a dermatologist.
• Don’t use harsh products on your nails, and limit your use of nail polish removers.
• Don’t ignore nail problems or cuts and bruises on or around your nails. Consult a doctor to make sure the issue doesn’t become more serious.