Understanding the importance of nail hygiene in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic
New Delhi: Despite the fact that the world is recovering from the coronavirus pandemic, we must not relax our guard and remain vigilant when it comes to hand hygiene in order to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. But do we pay enough attention to our nail hygiene? Our nails are a barometer of our overall health. The manifestations of a number of serious diseases were first discovered within the filthy nails.
Because we are oblivious to our nails, they become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. These germs enter our bodies through our hands because we eat with our bare hands in India. As a result, nail hygiene is critical, and hand hygiene is incomplete without it.
Following a systematic process to ensure the longevity of our nail health is what good nail hygiene entails. It entails preventing food particles, dirt, and dust from adhering to our nails and preventing the growth of nail bacteria. Fortunately, contrary to popular belief, maintaining good nail hygiene is not difficult. To keep our nails healthy, we only need a little diligence, awareness, and attention.
Avoiding nail hygiene makes you prone to viral infections
Many serious issues, such as bacterial and viral infections, arise as a result of constant neglect towards the cleanliness of the nails. These frequently result in serious health issues. Our hand hygiene is not complete until we clean the undersides of our nails in addition to washing our hands on a regular basis. Most people are fine with sharing their nail clippers with others. This, however, is a highly unsanitary practise. Why do we share our nail clippers when we don’t share any of our personal hygiene products? Nails are a breeding ground for germs, bacteria, and viruses, and sharing nail clippers is the same as exchanging those microorganisms.
Keep fingernails dry and clean
It keeps bacterial and fungal infections at bay under our nails. It has been discovered that prolonged exposure to water can cause nail breakage. When washing dishes, cleaning, or working with harsh chemicals, it is always a good idea to wear cotton-lined rubber gloves. To maintain good nail hygiene, we must be cautious about the products we use to care for our nails. Use a sharp stainless-steel nail clipper with a grime remover to remove the germs and grime beneath the nails. Straighten your nails, then round the tips into a gentle curve. After nail clipping, always wash your hands and under nails with soap and water.
Keep your hands and nails moisturised to prevent cuticles from growing out of control. The use of nail polish remover, hand sanitizers, and harsh soaps on a regular basis can cause cuticle and nail dryness. Keep your nails short, trim them on a regular basis, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before moisturising them. This will reduce the likelihood of disease and help to prevent viruses.
Here are some additional methods for maintaining nail hygiene and thus protecting our nails from damage:
Avoid chewing on your fingernails because it can damage the nail bed and cause infection if you get a minor cut. Furthermore, when we bite our nails, germs enter our mouths.
* Be gentle with your hangnails: Never pull your hangnails off. Instead, be gentle with them and carefully clip them off. Stop using products that are harsh on your nails. Choose acetone-free products whenever possible.
* Get regular nail exams: If you have a persistent nail problem, see a doctor or dermatologist for an evaluation.
* Do not share your nail clipper: Avoid sharing your nail clipper because it contains germs. Wipe the nail clipper clean with a soft cloth after washing it in lukewarm water.
