The world is now feeling the effect of yet another coronavirus variant, Omicron. People must stay alert for hand hygiene to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
But are we paying sufficient attention to our nail hygiene? Our nails are the index of wellbeing for our entire body. The manifestations of several critical diseases were first detected within the dirty nails. The ignorance towards our nails becomes the breeding ground of harmful bacteria.
These germs enter our body through our hands because in India we eat through our bare hands. Therefore, nail hygiene is crucial and without it hand hygiene is incomplete.
Practising good nail hygiene involves following a systematic process to ensure the longevity of our nail health. It includes ensuring that food particles, dirt, dust are not sticking to our nails and there is no build-up of nail bacteria.
Thankfully, contrary to popular belief, it is not that difficult to maintain good nail hygiene.
A little diligence, awareness and attention are sufficient to keep our nails healthy. Avoiding nail hygiene makes you prone to viral infections. Due to constant negligence towards the cleanliness of the nails, many serious issues like bacterial and viral infections arise. Often these lead to serious health problems.
Our hand hygiene is not perfect till the time we clean the undersides of our nails besides washing hands regularly. Most people don’t mind sharing nail clippers with others. This can be an extremely unhygienic practice if safety protocols are not followed.
Nails harbour abundant germs, bacteria and viruses and sharing nail clippers is equivalent to exchanging those microorganisms. So always use nail clippers after sterilising them properly.
Keep fingernails dry and clean. It prevents bacterial and fungal infections from growing under our nails. It has been observed that prolonged exposure to water can break nails. It is always recommended to wear cotton-lined rubber gloves while washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals.
In order to follow good nail hygiene, we have to be careful about our nail care products. Use a sharp stainless-steel nail clipper with a grime remover, that can remove the hidden germs and grime below the nails. Trim nails straight, then round the tips into a gentle curve. Always wash hands and under nails with soap and water after a nail clipping session.
Keep hands and nails moisturised to avoid the cuticles from overgrowing. Frequent use of nail paint remover, hand sanitisers and harsh soaps can result in the dryness of cuticles along with nails. Keep nails short, trim them regularly and washing hands for at least 20 seconds and then moisturise them.
There are 100% stainless steel nail clippers that come with a nail filer, grime remover, nail tray and non-chromium coating making them safe and most effective for maintaining proper nail hygiene.
Here are some of the more ways through which we can keep our nail hygiene intact, and protects nails from damage.
Stay away from chewing fingernails: It has the potential of damaging the nail bed as a minor cut can cause infection. Moreover, when we bite our nails, germs enter our mouths directly.
Be gentle towards hangnails: Never pull off your hangnails. Rather, be gentle towards them and carefully clip them off. Stop using those products which are harsh on nails. Always go for acetone-free products.
Go for regular nail checkups: If you have a persistent nail problem, consult a doctor or dermatologist for an evaluation.
Do not share: Try not to share your nail clipper, as they contain germs. Wash the nail clipper with lukewarm water and wipe with a soft cloth.
(The writer is the managing director of a manufacturing firm)