Health at your fingertips!

Nail hygiene is an essential aspect of overall personal hygiene, often overlooked when it comes to children. While it may seem like a minor detail, maintaining clean and well-groomed nails is crucial for a kid’s health and well-being. Teaching children about nail hygiene not only helps them develop good grooming habits but also instills important life skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

So, let’s explore the significance of nail hygiene and consider why it should become our immediate focus. Read on.

Prevents the spread of germs:

One of the primary reasons for maintaining proper nail hygiene is to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Children are prone to exploring their surroundings, which means their hands can come into contact with various surfaces and objects harbouring harmful microbes. By keeping their nails clean and trimmed, children reduce the chances of transferring germs from their hands to their mouths, eyes, or other parts of their bodies, thus minimising the risk of infections.

Avoids nail-related infections:

Unclean or long nails often become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. When dirt, grime, or food particles accumulate under the nails, it can lead to infections such as paronychia (infection around the nail) or fungal nail infections. By practicing regular nail hygiene, children can limit the risk of such infections, ensuring their nails remain healthy and free from discomfort or pain.

Promotes overall hand hygiene:

Maintaining proper nail hygiene is closely linked to overall hand hygiene. Teaching children to clean their nails effectively encourages them to develop a habit of washing their hands thoroughly and frequently. This habit is particularly important before meals, after using the restroom, or when coming into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. By incorporating nail hygiene into their handwashing routine, children learn the importance of overall cleanliness and reducing the risk of illnesses caused by hand-to-mouth transmission.

Stops injury and discomfort:

Long, jagged nails can be a cause of discomfort and potential injury for children. When nails are left untrimmed, they can break or tear easily, leading to pain and possible infections. Additionally, sharp nails pose a risk of scratching or injuring themselves or others during play or everyday activities. Regular trimming and proper filing of nails help maintain a smooth and safe surface, reducing the likelihood of painful incidents and ensuring children can enjoy their activities without discomfort or accidents.

Establishes lifelong grooming habits:

Teaching children about nail hygiene establishes a foundation for lifelong grooming habits. By starting early, parents and caregivers can instill in children the importance of personal care, self-respect, and presenting oneself in a clean and tidy manner. As children grow older, these habits will become ingrained, leading to responsible self-care practices that extend beyond nail hygiene and into other aspects of their lives.

Some crucial measures to follow:

a. Encourage regular handwashing, emphasising the importance of cleaning under the nails.

b. Teach children how to trim their nails using child-friendly nail clippers or scissors, ensuring they cut straight across to prevent ingrown nails.

c. Emphasise the use of a gentle nail brush to clean under the nails, removing any dirt or debris.

d. Teach children to avoid biting or picking at their nails, as it can damage the nail bed and increase the risk of infections.

e. Help children develop a routine of moisturising their hands and nails to keep them healthy and prevent dryness or cracking.

f. Encourage children to avoid sharing personal nail care tools to minimise the risk of infections.

Sharing guidelines on how to have healthy and clean nails, a medical in-charge at Apeejay School, Faridabad Sector 15, Mrs Satpal Grewal says, “Avoid cutting nails with a blade/knife, cut the nails of the fingers along the curve and those of the feet in a straight fashion. Filing the nails each time after cutting to smoothen the edges is a good practice. In addition to this, students can consider soaking their hands, feet in warm water for 10 minutes after trimming their nails.” Besides, the expert recommends keeping nails short, avoiding nail extensions at a young age and biting the nails. She further advises parents to keep a check on habits like nail biting which may occur due to anxiety or stress. “Make sure you speak with your child if you notice it,” she says. Mrs Grewal has been practising in the field for about 35 years.

Another practitioner from Apeejay International School, Greater Noida, Mrs Neetu says, “Some other ways through which we can keep our nail hygiene intact is to stop using products which are harsh on the nails. I strongly advise students to opt for acetone-free products and to not share nail clippers amongst each other. In addition to this, they must make it a habit to wash the nail clipper with warm water after every use.”

Remember, maintaining clean and well-groomed nails is a valuable life-skill. It boosts good hand hygiene, prevents injury and establishes the foundation for lifelong self-care.