Even Rubber Gloves Won't Keep Dirt From Under My Detaching Fingernails

[Spot On]

Some of my fingernails are lifting off the nail bed. I am active and do yard work, repairs of all sorts etc. I wear nitril rubber gloves as much as possible but even then they split, and even when they don't somehow I seem to get dirt lodged down in the middle of my fingernail. I am looking for ways to remove the dirt that a nail file won't reach. I have read that it's not good to scrape the areas that the nail is supposed to be attached.

Any suggestions how to clean them once they get some dirt under them?

Any suggestions to help keep them clean when I am active?

Thanks

[KatT]

Hi Spot On

Good question......

Have you tried the rubber pads with bristles (in rubber also)?  that would be gentler than a file

I assume you use specialized job hand cleaners?

[Spot On]

Hi Spot On

Good question......

Have you tried the rubber pads with bristles (in rubber also)?  that would be gentler than a file

I assume you use specialized job hand cleaners?

I don't scrape below the natural nail line or where it's completely lifted off. I know with Ps if I pick at it it gets worse. I do not use any specialized cleaners. I was thinking of using my water pik to try to get water deep under the nail. My nails don't come off all the way across. An example one nail it lifted a circle in the centre of the nail, with a small channel lifted to the fingertip. So the dirt gets to the centre but I can't get at it.

[Fred]

Difficult, when mine used to lift off the bed it was almost impossible to get the dirt out and like you say it's not a good idea to go poking around the nail bed.

I've not used a "water pik" but I would have thought as long as it's gentle it's worth a try.

I will put it in the next newsletter and see if others have a suggestion.

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[Kat]

I haven't had that issue but I was wondering.... can you soak them? I don't know if that would help but just mentioning it in case it's an option.

[Caroline]

I haven't had that issue but I was wondering.... can you soak them?  I don't know if that would help but just mentioning it in case it's an option.

Yes, I was also thinking about soaking.
In water diluted with a bit of soda…(oops, goes checking the dictionary…) I mean sodium carbonate.
It cleans and makes it all softer.

[Spot On]

I tried my water pik today. It works, but does remove the dirt deep against the barrier line of where the nail is attached and detached. It almost hurts, but not quite. Hard to explain. It did clean up the nail though. I think I should try soaking in some stuff mentioned above, then hit it with the water pik.

[Fred]

I tried my water pik today. It works, but does remove the dirt deep against the barrier line of where the nail is attached and detached. It almost hurts, but not quite. Hard to explain. It did clean up the nail though. I think I should try soaking in some stuff mentioned above, then hit it with the water pik.

Mmmm just wondering if coconut or peanut oil may help loosen the dirt.

[Turnedlight]

I can’t really think of preventative measures apart from using plasters. Perhaps using a barrier cream or something like Vaseline under the nail before you work might give a bit of protection?