How Do You Clean Under Your Nails?, It is very frustrating, like no matter how much you scrub and wash your hands, you still find dirt underneath your fingernails. From opening lids up to digging in the dirt, your fingernails are a lot of people’s routines. It is why it is one of the most common places where you can find bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells.
How do you clean under your nails? There are plenty of ways to clean your nails, using a brush is the best way to do so. But if you do not have this kind of tool, you can use an orange stick, a toothpick, sponge, a nail clipper file, and some cotton buds.
In this short read, you will be able to find tips and techniques that will help you clean under your nails regardless of your fingernails or toenails.
Clean Your Fingernails And Toenails
Practicing nail care and keeping them clean can help your nail looks healthier. It can also help prevent transmitting different types of diseases. Even if you have hard-to-reach-grime, There are many ways to clean underneath those fingernails and toenails.
Using Different Type Of Soap
Always wash your hands with soaps, and using a dish soap will help clean your hands and nails. This type of soap can help you to remove some grease and is very effective in removing oil buildup under the nails.
If you are not a fan of dish soap, you can use job-specific hand soap. You can purchase a specific brand that specializes in removing grease and dirt from hands. You can either choose Gojo Natural Orange Pumice Industrial Hand Cleaner or The Original Tough Nut Hand Cleaner.
Using A Washcloth And Lukewarm Water
Using a soft washcloth can get rid of hard-to-reach spots in your fingernails or around the cuticle area. Make sure that you thoroughly clean them after using them to get rid of the dirt and germs. Running lukewarm water is also beneficial to your nails as it won’t dry your hands and nails compared to hot water.
Daily Nail Care
Daily nail care can add to a healthy and clean fingernail most of the time. Your fingernails tend to get dirty. Here are among the useful tips that you can follow to keep your nails on the healthier side.
Always Cut Them Short
The first thing on this nail care is always to keep your nails short as short nails are less likely to have a bacteria build-up. You can always check them first thing in the morning and after taking a bath.
It is perfect for cutting them after a shower because nails are more manageable and soft to cut. And do not share your fingernail clippers with others to avoid infection risks.
If you ever get a hangnail, you should trim it properly and as even as possible. Do not use your teeth to remove them. You will only injure your teeth and introduce bacteria in your nails and vice versa.
Use Antibacterial Soap and Alcohol-Based Sanitizer
When you wash your nails, always make sure to use soap and water and pay attention to your nails when washing your hands. Using an antibacterial soap and an alcohol-based sanitizer will help kill and prevent bacteria from your fingertips.
Dry And Moisturize
After washing your hands, it is very important to pat them dry. It is an essential step that can minimize nail infections that will occur, and it prevents water from softening your nails too much. After drying, you should apply moisturizer. It can keep your hands, nails, and your cuticles to be flexible and healthy.
Use Nail Brush
Nail brushes are small and can be easily handheld which resembles a toothbrush. It is a handy tool to reach some of the untouchable areas. If a surgical scrub can get rid of all the unnecessary things in our hands, it is most likely that using a nail brush can do the same thing.
Once you used a nail brush, make sure to clean it, and air dries it. It can prevent the brush from getting bacteria and doing more harm than good to your nails.
Preventing Nail Issues
If you use your hands quite a lot and in a profession where you expose your nails a lot to frequent handwashing, your nails will become brittle. In some instances, it can crack. Luckily, there are ways to keep your nails strong.
Use Nail Straightener
Using a nail straightener will keep your nails strong. Applying a protective top-coat to the nails at least once a week will make a lot of difference. Some nail polishes contain nylon fibers that can give strength to the nails.
Get More Vitamins
Up vitamins in your foods and consider taking biotin supplements. This type of supplement can help to strengthen your nails. According to experts, taking a biotin supplement that comes in 1mg for two to three times daily can strengthen the nails. Just be mindful not to take them when you are pregnant.
Reduce Nail Treatments
Try to limit your manicure and pedicure, especially if you are using gel or acrylics nails. These types of treatments strip the top later of your nails and will start to weaken them. If you can’t live without it, try to reduce and have a break in-between applications. It can take days and weeks for nails to fully recover the thickness of the surface.
Wear Gloves
If you have a profession that needs you to expose your nails most of the time, you should wear work gloves. Get the ones that are cotton-lined rubber as it won’t irritate the hands. These will be your guard when performing household tasks or your daily routine.
Moisturizer Is A Must
Applying moisturizer is essential as it helps to seal in moisture. Try to look for products that have lanolin to apply to the nails. Oils are a great option too as they are water-repellant. Almond oil, Vitamin E, and coconut oils are perfect examples.
Conclusion
Overall, it is vital to take care of your fingernails and toenails. Having regular fingernail and toenail care can help your nails to be healthy, presentable, and clean. If you see something unusual like nail discoloration, swelling, and redness, it is advisable to talk to your doctor. These are some symptoms that can indicate a nail problem.
