Truths about the germs under your fingernails

1. Your nails may be harboring germs that can make you sick. Researchers found that bacteria that cause vomiting and diarrhea are often found under people's fingernails. The culprits? Changing diapers, poor bathroom hygiene and handling raw meat--all can leave behind unwanted guests under your nails.


2. Artificial nails are ickiest. They may look cleaner, because they mask what's building up underneath, say experts. And, what's lurking under there, well, it's not so pretty. Researchers believe that more germs are found under artificial nails than under real ones. (Would your decline a handshake to avoid germs?)


3. Potentially "fatal" germs can lurk under hospital workers' nails. Ugh, just when you think hospitals are safe places--this unsettling research notes that dirty fingernails could be the source of deadly infections passed from doctors and nurses to patients. An important note: Don't be afraid of hospitals, but also, don't be afraid to ask your health care provider to wash her hands when she comes into the room to examine you--especially if you don't see her scrub up right away or do so carelessly (one doctor who treated my son didn't even use soap!). Speaking of hospitals, did you see this post about patient safety? Scary stuff.


4. Sorry guys, your nails are germier. According to experts, men have more germs camping out under their fingernails than women. Yes ladies, it's OK to ask him to wash his hands now and then--especially before getting romantic!


5. Surprise! Nail biters may actually have cleaner nails. But, the good news stops there. According to research, while the act of biting nails may clear out bacteria, nail biters ingest more germs. Yuck!


Source: Here