This is the result if the cleanliness of the child's nails and hands is not maintained

Children usually like to bite their nails, especially if their nails are long. In fact, there could be germs hiding in his nails. This allows germs on the child's hands and nails to enter the body. Of course, this can cause health problems in children. For that, it is recommended that children always keep their nails clean.

What are the consequences if the child's nail hygiene is not maintained?

Young children usually hold more objects around them. Then, he likes to put his dirty hand in his mouth, biting his black nails, so that his nails might be swallowed. This certainly can be a source of health problems in children.

Nails are a favorable environment for germs to breed and live, especially if the child's nails are long. Thus, nail biting or biting allows germs on the nails to enter the child's body. This can cause the child to experience an infectious disease.

Some infectious diseases that can attack children due to lack of maintaining cleanliness of their hands and nails are:

1. Diarrhea

Dirt on the child's nails that gets into the digestive tract can cause the child to experience diarrhea. Children are more prone to experiencing diarrhea because their immunity is not as strong as adults. Severe diarrhea can then lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in the body. In addition, diarrhea can also make children suffer from nutritional deficiencies. So, don't underestimate diarrhea in children.

2. Pinworm infection

Poor hand and nail hygiene can also lead to pinworm infections. Pinworms can stick to the nails when a child scratches their child's area, after the child goes to the bathroom, or after the child changes diapers. Then, pinworms can enter the digestive tract of children when they handle food, bite their nails, or chew their fingers. These pinworms can then stay in the large intestine and rectum of the child.

3. Nail infection

Nail infections can occur if your child's nails are not treated properly. This can happen to both fingernails and toenails. Nail infection is usually characterized by swelling of the skin around the nail, pain around the nail, or thickening of the nail. In some cases, this nail infection can be serious, so it requires medical attention.

How to keep children's nails clean?

It is important for parents to pay attention to nail hygiene. This is an effort to prevent children from contracting infectious diseases caused by germs, bacteria, or viruses. Some things that must be done to keep children's nails clean are:

Keep child's nails short. It is important to cut children's nails regularly so that the child's nails are not left long and become a den of germs. Experts suggest that parents help their children trim their nails until they can cut their nails by themselves, about 9-10 years old. Cut the child's nails after the child has a bath, this will make it easier because the nails will be softer at this time.
Get used to the child washing hands before and after meals, and after using the bathroom. Don't forget to brush under the child's nails with soap and water every time the child ishes their hands.
Before cutting children's nails, don't forget to clean the nail clippers before use. This is especially true when the nail clippers are used by many people.
Do not let the child bite or pickle his nails.
Do not let the child scratch the skin around the anal area.
Don't cut nail cuticles child, which is the hard skin on the edge of the nail. Nail cuticles are a barrier for germs or bacteria to enter the nails. This works so that you avoid infection.
Do not let the child tear or bite hangnail, this will hurt the child. Nail nodules are tiny peeling skins on the edges of the nails that separate from the cuticles or nails. If a hangnail appears, it's best to trim it using nail clippers.