Your nails protect the tissues of your toes and fingers. They are made up of layers of a hardened protein called keratin, which is also in your hair and skin. Your nails' health can be a clue to your overall health. Healthy nails are usually smooth and consistent in color. Specific types of nail discoloration and changes in growth rate can signal various lung, heart, kidney and liver diseases, as well as diabetes and anemia. White spots and vertical ridges are harmless.
Appropriate hand hygiene includes diligently cleaning and trimming fingernails, which may harbor dirt and germs and can contribute to the spread of some infections, such as pinworms. Fingernails should be kept short, and the undersides should be cleaned frequently with soap and water. Longer fingernails can collect more dirt and bacteria than shorter nails, thus potentially contributing to the spread of infection.
To help prevent the spread of germs and nail infections:
- Try to keep your nails short and trim them often.
- Scrub the underside of nails with soap and water (or a nail brush) often when washing your hands.
- Clean any nail implements tools before using it.
- In nail salons, check that all nail implements are sterilized before they use it on you.
- Avoid biting and chewing your nails.
- Avoid cutting cuticles, as they act as barriers to prevent infection.
- Never rip or bite a hangnail as it causes swelling and infections. Instead, clip it with a clean, sanitized nail trimmer.
