Having healthy fingernails doesn’t mean visiting your nail expert every month to get a manicure done.

Healthy nails are smooth, with no grooves or pits. They're free of spots or discoloration. Also, they are uniform in consistency and color.

Nails are composed of laminated layers of a protein known as keratin. Your nails grow from the area at the base of the nail under your cuticle.

With aging, nails may develop vertical ridges or become more brittle. This is harmless.  

Your nails can also develop white lines or spots due to injury, but these eventually grow out with the nail.

To keep your nails looking their best:

• Keep them dry and clean to prevent bacteria from growing under your fingernails.
• Use moisturizer. When you use hand lotion, rub the cream into your nails and cuticles.
• Apply a protective layer to help strengthen your nails.

Consult your doctor if you notice the following:

• Dark streaks under the nail

• Discoloration of the entire nail or any other changes in nail color

• Changes in nail shape

• Thickening or thinning of the nails

• The nail separates from the surrounding skin

• Bleeding, swelling or pain around the nails

• Nails that do not grow out

You should take care of your nails and fix any problems once they show up and consult your doctor when necessary. Log your information with the MIA app to get top insights about your health.