Artificial Acrylic Nails and Infection

Manicures and Health, A Brief Primer

May 3, 2009 Amy Andersen

Manicured nails are a popular part of cosmetic grooming. The products used or the mechanics of the procedure may make the area vulnerable to spores or bacteria.

Fake nails can be applied in several ways when one wishes to augment the natural nail appearance. Salon technicians may apply an acrylic nail or a gel overlay. A nail can be wrapped with silk or linen to strengthen the nail or tips can be added to lengthen it. Typically, the nail bed is prepared in such a way as to assist the attachment of the artificial device or solution in order to make it semi permanent. At home kits usually consist of nails and tips applied with special nail glue.

Health Consequences of Artificial or Acrylic Nails

  • Although beautiful and flattering there can be risks inherent to the procedure.
  • The inexperienced technician can use unclean tools on your skin.
  • There can be allergy to the various solutions or materials used to create the nail substitute.
  • Damage to the original nail bed and nail by filing or cutting cuticles may open the skin to possible infection.
  • Removal of the nail requires extensive chemical soaking along with mechanical manipulation of the nail, which also weakens the area’s defenses against infection.
  • Moisture can come between the natural finger nail and artificial nail resulting in infection.
  • Caution is advised during pregancy due to absorbtion or inhalation of toxins.

Infections Associated with Artificial Nails

  • The artificial nail creates a cover over the natural nail. If there is any “lift” space between the two surfaces air and moisture can enter. This allows a fertile ground for a fungus. This nail fungus is onychomycosis pseudomonas.

  • This space may also allow a mold like bacteria to grow. The natural nail plate itself may lift from the finger if untreated. There may be pus and discoloration.

  • A paronychia is a fungal yeast infection that develops in the surrounding skin or cuticle of the nail.

Treating the Nail Infection

Natural treatments such as tea tree oil, vinegar soaks, and sliver nitrate pastes may help but an advanced infection requires a prescription medication based on pathology of the infection. Antibiotics or anti-fungals may be prescribed.

Preventing Infection

  • Do not use artificial nails to cover an existing infection since this will only compound and delay the recovery. Work on healthy nails.
  • Children (or adults) who put their fingers in their mouth shouldn’t risk artificial nails.
  • Use single use or sterilized tools only.
  • Be sure the nail is clean before adhering the fake nail.
  • Allergy test new products by doing a single nail a few days earlier.
  • If the nail comes loose, do not simply press it back on but thoroughly clean the surface with an alcohol product before reapplying.
  • Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.

Enjoy your new nails. The artificial nail itself doesn’t cause infection. Preventing the problem is easier than resolving it once it occurs.

The copyright of the article Artificial Acrylic Nails and Infection in Beauty is owned by Amy Andersen. Permission to republish Artificial Acrylic Nails and Infection in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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