What is hiding under your fingernails? Know the importance of proper nail hygiene

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Our parents or teachers must have told us this more than once, the right we must keep our nails clean and trimmed. We’ve heard from a young age about personal hygiene and cleanliness. But you never thought about the importance of what may seem like a simple habit.

Nails aren’t just for good looks. The area under our fingernails may harbor dirt, bacteria and other germs that can find their way into our bodies via the mouth or be transferred from one person to another when we touch.

Dirt and germs can stay in between the fingernails, especially if they are long. These germs can get transferred to us when we eat or touch our face.

Dirty nails can spread germs to mouth, eye and other parts of the body, leading to some infections.

Bacteria that are sealed underneath fingernails can get into food either during cooking or while eating it and can lead to food-borne diseases.

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Biting a nail leaves your fingers exposed to bacteria and germs which can enter the body through the mouth. It can also cause skin damage around the nail bed which can lead to infection.

If you don’t take proper care of your hands and nails, you can become infected with parasites like pinworms because their eggs collect underneath nails and find their way into your system when you stick your fingers in your mouth.

How to maintain proper nail hygiene?

• Maintain your nails Trim your nails and keep them short.
• Soap and clean under your nails.
• Don’t bite your nails or pick at the skin around them.
• Maintaining clean nail clippers and other tools on a regular basis.
• Keep your nails clean and dry.

Also read: Does Drinking Milk Before Bed Actually Help You Sleep Better?

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