What we need to care healthy nails

Take a look at your nails . They are strong and healthy ? Or do you see ridges , dents or areas of unusual color or shape ? Many less than desirable nail conditions can be avoided through proper nail care . Others pointed out a fundamental condition requiring attention .
Nails : What 's normal , what's not
Your nails - including laminated layers of a protein called keratin - grow from areas at the base of the nail under your cuticle . As new cells grow , older cells become hard and compacted and are eventually pushed out toward your fingertips .
Healthy nails are smooth , without pits or grooves . They are uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration . Sometimes nails grow along ridges that run from harmless cuticle to tip . Vertical ridges tend to become more prominent with age . Nails can also develop white lines or points due to injury , but eventually evolved to the nails.
Not all nail conditions are normal , however . Consult your doctor or your dermatologist if you notice :
Nail color changes , such as discoloration of the entire nail or black streaks under the nails
Changing shape nails , nails curved like
Thin or thick nails
Separated from the skin around your nails
Bleeding around the nails
Redness , swelling , or pain around the nail
Nail care : do 's and don'ts
To keep your nails looking their best , follow these simple guidelines .
do :
Keep your nails clean and dry . This prevents bacteria , fungi and other organisms grown from under your nails . Wearing cotton lined rubber gloves when washing dishes , cleaning or using harsh chemicals , and avoid long soak in the tub.
Cut and file your nails regularly . Use a sharp manicure scissors or cutter . Cut your nails straight on , then round the tips in a gentle curve . It may be easiest to cut and file your nails when they are soft , such as after bathing .
Use moisturizer . When you use hand lotion , rub lotion into your nails and your cuticles , too .
Do not :
Abuse your nails . To prevent nail damage , do not use your nails as tools to choose from, poke or pry things .
Biting your nails or pick at your cuticles . These habits can damage the nail . Even a minor cut alongside your nail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause infection .
Pull off hangnails . You can extract the living tissue with hangnail . Instead, carefully cut off hangnails .
Ignore the problem . If you have a nail problem that does not seem to go away on its own or in combination with other signs and symptoms , consult your doctor or your dermatologist for an evaluation .