Have you thought about having long nails? Do you love the idea of having gloriously long finger nails that really make a statement when you polish them with red? When it comes to having long nails, be careful. What you might want to take into consideration is just what it means to have long nails and if this is the right type of length for you.

Long nails do look great, but be careful with how long you allow them to get. As your nails lengthen, there is no immediate risk to you or the nail. But, be careful about the actual length you allow. The longer the nails get, the more likely they are to be places where infectious bacteria can hide. Nails that are an inch long are more likely to have pathogens that can cause illnesses like staph infections and yeast infections.

If you are like most, you do not think about what is lurking under the nails. But, you should. The good news is that you can do something about it. You can have long nails and still have healthy nails. The key is to keep them clean. Use soap and a nail brush on your nails at least once a day (wash your hands using soap frequently.) The nail brush is quite effective at getting under the nails and removing all of the bacteria underneath if you take your time with it. Do not rush through the process.

Throughout the day, you can use antibacterial lotions, too. Apply these gels on your hands and also on your nails. Use them sparingly because they can dry out your nail beds and this can lead to cuts that will be even more prone to bacteria growth.

If your nails are showing any signs of illness or bacteria, trim them back. This includes any yellowing that you see. If the nail infection seems to worsen, seek out your doctor. They can prescribe medications for you that will clear up the nail beds effectively.

Having long nails is a bit more work than trimming them. Even if you have fake nails, you still need to follow these procedures to ensure that your nails remain healthy and free from any bacteria or infectious pathogens. After all, just think of all the things you do with those nails on a daily basis that could leave you sick.