To maintain healthy fingernails, avoid nail infections and improve nail apperance one can try the following tips. Healthy fingernails are a sign of wellness and when the nails begin to show changes they can actually indicate some underlying disease.

1. Keep your nails clean and dry.
2. Avoid nail-biting or picking.
3. Apply moisturizer to your nails and cuticles every day. Creams with urea, phospholipids, or lactic acid can help prevent cracking.
4. File your nails in one direction and round the tip slightly, rather than filing to a point.
5. Don't remove the cuticles or clean too deeply under your nails, which can lead to infection.
6. Don't dig out ingrown toenails. See a dermatologist if they become bothersome.
7. Avoid nail polish removers that contain acetone or formaldehyde.
8. Bring your own instruments if you get frequent manicures.
9. If you have artificial nails, check regularly for green discoloration (a sign of bacterial infection).
10. Eat a balanced diet and take vitamins containing biotin.

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems.
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