Nail Grooming and Cosmetics
Nail Grooming and Cosmetics
Nails protect the tips of the fingers and help with the sensation of fine touch. It is important to take care of the nail and the skin around it. Tips for caring for your nails include:
1. Cuticles should be gently pushed back with a soft towel, after soaking them, or after a bath or shower
2. Do not allow your manicurist to cut or push back your cuticles
3. Have your manicurist use your own nail tools. After you are done wash them in soapy water, a dishwasher is okay, or swab them with alcohol.
4. Keep the skin around your nails healthy by moisturizing it, by trimming any hangnails, and by limiting the amount of wet work
5. Nail products may cause a reaction. If you experience itching, burning, stinging, or soreness after a nail treatment, remove the products immediately
6. Keep nails short. This is even if you wear artificial nails (acrylics, wraps, gels, or tips). A good length for healthy nails is when you touch the tip of your finger on a tabletop, the skin of your finger touches before your nail does. Long nails increase the stress on the nail bed where the nail attaches to the skin. It can lift off more easily (onycholysis) putting you at a greater risk for infection.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 05/03/2012
Copyright © 05/03/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7354
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