This article is a continuation from What are your Nails Telling you About your Health? Part 1.

Earlier this week we talked about fingernails – and toenails – and how monitoring them can alert you to various health changes. From color, to shape, to consistency, there are multiple ways to see just what’s taking place behind the nail’s surface.

Now, however, it’s time to take those instances a step further and see just how you should be taking care of your nails, and why improper care might make you look like you’re sick … when all that’s needed is an at-home manicure. Even the most non manicure-oriented people can spend a little extra time to ensure that their nails are smooth and free from any potentially alarming symptoms.

Take Better Care of Your Nails

One of the easiest ways to get “better” or healthier looking nails is with the help of a professional. Booking a manicure will allow you to have your nails smoothed, cleaned, and freshened up in a few short minutes. A budget friendly way to get pampered. A professional will also be able to tell you if there is anything alarming about your nails, such as shape or color.

However, manicures aren’t for everyone. Whether they’re looking to save on funds or it’s just outside of their comfort zone, not everyone is able to get a manicure on a regular basis. For these folks, at-home versions can provide similar results while saving the cost and efforts of having to head to the salon.

Even those who don’t sit down for an entire nail routine can keep their hands and feet in better condition with a little trimming and filing. It’s also important to keep the nails clean both on top of the surface and underneath it. Not only does dirt and grime under the nails look unattractive, it can easily infect the skin if left under the surface for too long. Use a soft nail brush (even a toothbrush will work) or, very carefully, a fingernail file.

Why You Should Primp Your Nails

Obviously, not everyone wants to paint and decorate their nails on a regular basis. But just because you aren’t dressing them up for every occasion doesn’t mean they can’t be taken care of. In fact, failing to do so can actually lead to more issues, such as infections, misleading symptoms, hangnails, scratches, and more. Simply by filing or trimming them every week or so, however, can eliminate all of these issues before they even arise.

Healthy nails can also be a better indication as to when something is wrong beneath the surface. Because changing colors, shape, texture, and more all determine ongoing symptoms, keeping nails in their best original shape will help enhance changes even further. That way, if something does take place within the nails, you will know exactly when they changed.

How to Get Started With Better Nail Care

Believe it or not, healthier nails are just a few simple steps away. If you don’t already own the right equipment, head to a dollar or drug store and purchase a nail file, clippers, and if you’re feeling especially good about your new nail routine, a buffer. A buffer is used to smooth and shine the top surface of the nail, which becomes increasingly rigid and uneven with age.

Then, utilize these new tools as often as you find necessary. For most, this is about once a week, depending on how often your nails break or if you work with your hands.

When it comes to keeping better track of your health, remember that snail care and identification can offer a quicker and more accurate diagnosis.