(HealthDay News) –Artificial nails can make your fingers look fancy, but it’s important to make sure you properly care for and maintain them to avoid infection.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests:

• Use artificial nails only if your own nails are healthy. Artificial nails may worsen nail problems, possibly leading to nail loss.
• Apply one nail initially to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, using a brush to clean underneath your nails.
• Thoroughly dry your hands and nails.
• Reattach any artificial nail that is loose.
• Get a touch-up every two-to-three weeks, and remove nails every two-to-three months.
• Wear gloves when you wash dishes or do yard work.

— Diana Kohnle

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