(HealthDay News) --
Artificial nails can make your fingers look fancy, but it's important to make sure you properly care for and maintain them to avoid infection.
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests:
- Use artificial nails only if your own nails are healthy. Artificial nails may worsen nail problems, possibly leading to nail loss.
- Apply one nail initially to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, using a brush to clean underneath your nails.
- Thoroughly dry your hands and nails.
- Reattach any artificial nail that is loose.
- Get a touch-up every two-to-three weeks, and remove nails every two-to-three months.
- Wear gloves when you wash dishes or do yard work.
