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Nail Care

Maintaining Healthy Nails
The most effective way to avoid problematic ingredients in nail products is to leave nails natural. Below are some tips from the American Academy of Dermatologists on keeping your nails healthy without chemicals:

• Keep nails clean and dry. This helps keep bacteria and other infectious organisms from collecting under the nail.
• If toenails are thick and difficult to cut, soak them in warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt to a pint of water) for five to ten minutes.
• Nails should be cut straight across and rounded slightly at the tip for maximum strength. Use sharp nail scissors or clippers. Filing the nails into points will weaken them.
• Avoid biting fingernails, and do not remove your cuticle.
• Use a "fine" textured file to keep nails shaped and free of snags.
• Rather than color nails to hide conditions such as psoriasis or fungus, treat your nails as directed by your physician.

Safe Use
If you do choose to use polishes, keep in mind that even less-toxic polishes should be used with care. "These compounds should be used sparingly in well-ventilated environments," says Luz Claudio, M.D., of the Department of Community & Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Also, she adds, "because of their developmental stages, children can be exquisitely susceptible to these toxics."

Here are a few tips to minimize exposure to chemical hazards:

• Pregnant women should avoid all nail polish.
• Do not paint the nails of infants, toddlers or children who still put their fingers in their mouths.
• Try to discourage teenagers from painting their nails, as teens are particularly susceptible to hormone-disrupting chemicals during puberty.
• Avoid touching your nails until you are sure they are dry to avoid contact dermatitis.
• Make sure to keep all nail care products out of reach of children and pets.

Disposal
Nail polish and nail polish removers are considered household hazardous wastes and should be disposed of accordingly. See earth911.org for disposal sites near you.