Here's a report from dermatologists about healthy nails:
Myth: Itīs important to push your cuticles back to keep them healthy and help your nails grow.
Fact: Most people are aware that cutting the cuticle is never a good idea and groom them by pushing them back. However, dermatologists recommend against this as well because it can create problems. "The cuticle is a barrier that protects the skin and the delicate nail matrix, or ârootī of the nail. Pushing back on the cuticle can injure it and expose the paronychium, or skin fold around the nail, to bacteria and result in infection," Dr. VanBeek said.
Myth: Nail salons are regularly inspected so I donīt have to worry about safety.
Fact: Most nail salons take sanitation very seriously and follow strict cleanliness and disinfection guidelines, but consumers should not be afraid to ask how implements are cleaned. "Look at the salon with cleanliness in mind and ask yourself these questions: Are the stations clean? Does the nail technician wash her hands between clients? Are there dirty implements lying around? If the salon does not appear clean, then move on," said Dr. VanBeek. "People who get frequent manicures and pedicures may want to purchase their own tools and implements to be used at the salon in order to protect against infection." In addition to making sure that the implements used are sterilized properly, check that any foot baths that are used for pedicures are thoroughly disinfected before you use them. If they are improperly cleaned, they can harbor bacteria and fungus which can lead to serious infections.
