With coronavirus-COVID-19 news dominating our lives, and not knowing what to touch or the many ways it can spread, we must take extraordinary precautions in all aspects of our live.
In normal times, having beautiful long nails is desired. The nail business was booming before mid-March. But did you know, viruses (yes, coronavirus) and bacteria can lurk underneath those beautiful nails! They can be a hotbed for all kind of germs. Is it time to cut them off, for now?!
Well, if it were up to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), we would all wear our nails short. “Fingernails should be kept short, and the undersides should be cleaned frequently with soap and water. Because of their length, longer fingernails can harbor more dirt and bacteria than short nails, thus potentially contributing to the spread of infection,” as stated on the CDC website.
I know many women just fell to the floor! For those that say cutting their nails is not an option, here is some advice for protecting yourself and others, especially now.
Washing with a fingernail brush
Get yourself a fingernail brush! Having the right tool is critical for keeping your nails sanitized. This will help you reach underneath to the nail bed where you normally can’t reach well.
Because the underside is where the danger lies, washing and scrubbing there, on the sides and on top with hot, soapy water is essential to making sure they are clean and free of any germs. It is recommended by the CDC to wash at least 20 seconds, frequently. You can sing Happy Birthday or the alphabet twice or sing whatever you like as long as it gets you to 20 seconds. Those with the long, extended nails must wash and scrub even longer to ensure maximum cleanliness. You don’t have a nail brush? Since you are probably blowing up Amazon while you’re on lockdown, add that to your list.
Stop biting your nails
During these uncertain times, we are all anxious because you don’t know when this crisis will end! When you’re nervous and thinking about what to do next, you start biting your nails or you put your hand up to your mouth and play with your teeth (that’s me). We must stop biting our nails and keep our hands out of our mouths. That is the easiest way for germs to enter our bodies along with putting our hands near or in our eyes and nose. Putting our hands anywhere near our face is out. I know it is the hardest thing to do (I am the worst offender), but we must try, even if that means hanging Post-it Notes around the house to remind ourselves. If that doesn’t do, maybe this will help you to keep your hands out of your mouth. When putting fingers in your mouth you are essentially eating and swallowing germs. Think about how many times you put your hand in your mouth a day. Print out a picture of germs and hang it on the computer or anywhere you are all day. Or you can always go old school, like our parents did, and put hot sauce or some other unpleasant tasting food on your fingers.
Pamper Yourself with a Mani
Because most of us have been issued stay-at-home orders, which means we can’t go to any salon, of any kind, and even if one was open, for our safety, we shouldn’t go. All the places we go to beautify ourselves are shuttered indefinitely, so what to do?
For me, having a nice manicure will make me more mindful not to bite my nails. Pull out your emery boards, nail files, clippers, and polish. While you’re at it, give yourself a pedi too. Pamper yourself until you can get back to the professionals.
Remembering all the things we need to do to stay safe may be exhausting, but very necessary. Keeping your nails cut short, or at least clean, is a small step in staying safe. Continue to follow the guidelines of the CDC and other health organizations.
This too shall pass!
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