Can Acrylic Nails Cause Nail Infection?

Nail Infection Is Never Pleasant
Acrylic nails are quite popular these days. Those who are just planning to use acrylic nails are usually concerned if the acrylic nails will end up damaging their natural nails. Although the possibility of your natural nails getting damaged by wearing acrylic nails is less likely, one should still take caution when using them.

Acrylic Nails and Its Possible Dangers

Nail Infection There is a possibility for a gap to develop between the acrylic nail and your natural nail. This is especially true when the acrylic nail gets bumped or jarred. When this happens it can separate from the nail therefore creating a gap in between. The gap can become a breeding ground for infectious organisms since it is a moist environment. Infectious organisms love and thrive in such a condition. An infection on your nails can also happen if they are too long. Too rigid acrylic nails can also result to infection. Another possible cause for infection in acrylic nails is the use of dirty and unsanitary tools during the process of its application. A nail infection can leave you with thickened, ragged and discolored natural nails. Allergic Reaction You may also have an allergic reaction to certain components of the acrylic nails or even the adhesives that are used in the process of applying them. An allergic reaction can cause the areas around the nail to become red, swollen and painful. If you are planning to go to a salon and have acrylic nails applied, here are a few things that can bring down risk of nail infection and other problems.
  • Go to a salon that shows their current state license and see to it that the technician that would take care of applying the acrylic nails carries a license issued by the state board.
  • If the salon has a strong odor, this can indicate that there is poor ventilation in the salon. If you start seeing fumes, it is time to bolt out of that salon.
  • The tools that would be used should be properly sterilized. You should make sure that your nail technician does this and that he or she washes her hands.
  • Before the procedure begins, your nails should be soaked in a bowl of soapy water. The bowl of soapy water should be newly prepared and have not been used by any other customer.
  • You should not allow your nail technician to push back or trim your cuticles as this makes you more vulnerable to nail infection.
  • The surface of your natural nails should not be filed before the application of the acrylic nails as this will make your natural nails weaker.
  • It may be best to bring your own nail file since nail files can not be sterilized. This way you know that only you have used the nail file before.
By following these tips, you are minimizing your risk of nail infection when having acrylic nails applied from a salon. If ever you suspect infection on your nails or there are signs of infection such as redness, swelling and pain, visit your dermatologist. Like our Facebook page and share this post to your friends.