How to Clean the Skin Around Your Fingernails

Nail brushes remove dirt, debris and microbes from the skin surrounding the fingernails.

Proper care of the skin around your fingernails is necessary for good hygiene and disease prevention. The skin that frames the bottom and sides of your fingernails -- known anatomically as the nail folds -- can become infected with either bacteria or fungus. Dirt and microbes can become trapped under the tops of your nails. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these microbes can cause foodborne disease, gastrointestinal illnesses and respiratory infections.

Things You'll Need

• Nail brush
• Liquid soap
• Towel
• Moisturizer

Instructions

1. Wet your hands and the bristles of your nail brush with warm water.

2. Apply a liquid soap to the bristles of your nail brush.

3. Use a back-and-forth motion to scrub your fingernails and the skin surrounding your nails with the brush. Pay special attention to the skin under the tops of your nails.

4. Rinse your fingernails with warm water.

5. Wash your hands with soap and water, and rinse your hands thoroughly.

6. Dry your hands with a clean towel.

7. Apply a moisturizer. The American Medical Association notes that moisturizing your hands after cleansing makes them more resistant to damage.

References

• “American Medical Association Family Medical Guide”; American Medical Association; 2004
• Minnesota Department of Health: Handwashing With a Nail Brush
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Water-Related Hygiene; December 2010