Nails Lincoln - Nail Care

Healthy nails and nail care are an important part of overall health. When nails are in good physical shape, they are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they make it easier to perform everyday tasks. However, not many people put a lot of thought into their nails, either finger or toe, until there appears to be something wrong.

Dermatologist Richard K. Scher, M.D., professor of clinical dermatology, Columbia University, New York, N.Y., discussed common nail problems and how best to keep them healthy.

"The nails can be the windows to a patient's overall health, and while the nail itself is dead tissue, the areas under the cuticle and beneath the nail are alive," stated Dr. Scher. "These areas are particularly vulnerable to infection and damage, which is why it is important to see a nail technician regularly for a manicure and pedicure."

Cosmetics

Keeping the nails healthy and neat looking has become an important grooming ritual for both men and women as the number of consumers that frequent nail salons and use nail cosmetics at home has increased.

"Nail cosmetics and salon services are generally quite safe, but there are potential problem areas associated with the use of nail cosmetics and salon services: infection, allergic reactions and mechanical damage to the nail," said Dr. Scher. "While these are fairly rare occurrences, they can be serious and consumers should take some simple measures to guard against these potential health concerns."

Contracting an infection is the most serious health risk related to nail cosmetics, particularly from manicure and pedicure tools and implements that have not been properly sterilized. Viral, bacterial and fungal infections may be transmitted to unsuspecting consumers from improperly sterilized implements. At Nats Nails & Beauty all manicure and pedicure are fully and properly sterilized

Most nail salons take sanitation very seriously and follow strict sanitation and disinfection guidelines, but consumers should not be afraid to ask how implements are cleaned. "Look at the salon with cleanliness in mind and ask yourself these questions: Are the stations clean? Does the nail technician wash her hands between clients? Are there dirty implements lying around? If the salon does not appear clean, then move on," recommended Dr. Scher, who also recommended that consumers bring their own tools and implements to be used at the salon in order to protect against infection.

Allergic reactions occur when a nail cosmetic ingredient sensitizes the skin which may results in itching, redness, blisters and pain every time the ingredient is used. Some of the more common ingredients that can create an allergic reaction are the acrylic materials found in a wide variety of nail products. Another potential allergen is tosylamid formaldehyde resin, an ingredient found in some nail polishes. If consumers experience itching or burning of the skin following a nail salon service or the application of nail cosmetics at home, Dr. Scher recommends removing the product as soon as possible and visiting a dermatologist to determine which ingredient is responsible for the allergic reaction.

For more information go to my foot care page here or nail care page here