Nail care tips from a dermatologist
People spend much time and money to keep their skin and hair healthy and beautiful, but they usually ignore their nails, which too deserve similar attention. Good nail care keeps your hands and feet looking nice, and reflect our overall health.
The structure of a nail
Nail is nothing but a specialised skin. It consists of dense hard layer of keratin called nail plate overlying the soft tissue known as nail bed. Nail bed and plate unit is protected by surrounding skin folds known as cuticle. Average fingernail growth is approximately 3 mm per month, toe nail grow more slowly. Longitudinal ridges are present on the surface of nail plate, they become more prominent with age. 
Nail anatomy
Basic nail care for everyone
To keep your nails looking best looking and healthy, basic nail care is advocated as:
- Manicure and pedicure are grooming practices for fingernail and toenails respectively. This involves soaking of nails prior to trimming and shaping the nail plate. The thin skin layer surrounding the nail plate or cuticle is removed followed by application of shiny, smooth coat of nail polish.
- Nail trimming or clipping should be usually be performed after bathing or wetting the nails as hydrated nails are flexible, easier to clip and do not break while clipping. Keeping nails as short as possible is a healthy hygienic practice. Long pointed nails are weaker & break easily.
- Proper nail filing of the free edges of nail plate reduce sharp edges that may cause nail plate tearing.
Nail plate surface is often filed to remove shine from natural nail plate prior to application of nail products or artificial nails. Care must be taken to avoid excessive filing as it thins the nail plate. Only 5% of the nail plate or approximately five cell layers should be removed which is just enough to remove shine and facilitate adherence of product to the nail plate.
- Keeping fingernails dry and clean is an essential part of nail care, as it prevents bacteria from growing under fingernails.
- While applying moisturiser on hand, it should also be rubbed on fingernail and cuticle, as it increases hydration of nails and avoids brittleness.
- Repeated or prolonged contact with water can cause splitting of fingernails. One can use rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals.
- Nail biting and picking should be avoided.
- Cosmetic nail procedures often include pushing back or removing thin skin layer surrounding nail plate or cuticle, using chemical cuticle remover or metallic instrument. Excessive manipulation or cutting of cuticle can allow entry of moisture, irritants, bacteria and yeast under nail fold, resulting in infection or inflammation.
Special nail care for brittle nails
Brittle nails are easily breakable nails which peel off in horizontal layers. Such cases require special nail care which includes:
- Avoidance of trauma by keeping nail as short as possible, as this prevents lifting and disruption of nail plate
- Frequent moisturising the nail plate to increase hydration and flexibility
- Avoidance of solvents (acetone) present in nail paint removers and nail harderner that increase dehydration of nail plate and hence brittleness
- Some experts believe that nail polish provide a protective seal trapping the moisture on nail plate, thus maintains hydration of nail plate.
- Nutritional supplements like biotin might help to strengthen weak and brittle nails. Overall, a balanced diet comprising of green leafy vegetables, fruits proteins, iron and vitamins is good for nail health.
When to consult your doctor
Nails may develop vertical ridges with age, or whitish spots after getting injured. These are harmless conditions which do not require treatment. However, you should consult your dermatologist if you notice any of the following:
- Changes in nail color, shape, or thickness
- Separation of the nail plate from the surrounding skin
- Bleeding in or around the nails
- Pain or swelling in the skin around the nails