Fingernail 101: The Do's and Don'ts

Are you taking good care of your nails? Here's what you need to know to keep your fingernails in tiptop shape.

Fingernail care: Do's

To keep your fingernails looking their best:

• Keep fingernails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails. Repeated or prolonged contact with water can contribute to split fingernails. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals.

• Practice good nail hygiene. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers. Trim your nails straight across, then round the tips in a gentle curve.

• Use moisturizer. When you use hand lotion, rub the lotion into your fingernails and cuticles, too.

• Apply a protective layer. Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen nails.

• Ask your doctor about biotin. Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails.

Fingernail care: Don'ts

To prevent nail damage, don't:

• Bite your fingernails or pick at your cuticles. These habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your fingernail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection.

• Pull off hangnails. You might rip live tissue along with the hangnail. Instead, carefully clip off hangnails.

• Use harsh nail care products. Limit your use of nail polish remover. When using nail polish remover, opt for an acetone-free formula.

• Ignore problems. If you have a nail problem that doesn't seem to go away on its own or is associated with other signs and symptoms, consult your doctor or dermatologist for an evaluation.