The Dangers of Artificial Nails

Artificial nails are now the number one seller at nail salons, and manicures now come in second place.

Nail products for both home and salon use are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. By law, the nail products that are sold as cosmetics must be free of poisons that could injure the user even when the product is used correctly. Many nail products contain poisonous substances - acetonitrile, for instance, which is used in glue remover - but they are allowed on the market because they are not dangerous when used correctly.

Many of the problems that stem from artificial nails do not come from the substances used, but from the application or lack of care after the application, which result in infections from bacteria such as Staphylococcus, fungi, and skin viruses. A bump or a knock to a long artificial nail may cause it to lift from the natural nail at the base, leaving an opening for dirt to get in. If the nail is reapplied without proper cleaning, bacteria or fungi may grow between the natural nails and the artificial nails and spread into the natural nail. Fungal infection can occur when an artificial nail remains in place for too long - three months or more - and moisture accumulates under the nail. Infection can also occur from using unsanitary nail implements - especially in a salon where the same tools are used on many people.

Symptoms of infection include pain, redness, itching and pus in or around the nail. Yellow-green, green and green-black nail discolorations are signs of bacterial infection, and a blue-green nail discoloration is a sign of fungal infection.

Some safety tips for artificial nails are to never apply if the natural nail or skin around it is infected or irritated. If you are doing an at-home kit, follow the directions carefully and save the ingredient list for your doctor in case you have a reaction. Treat the artificial nails with care. Try not to knock or bump them. If the artificial nail separates, dip the fingertip into rubbing alcohol to clean the space between the natural nail and the artificial nail. This will help prevent infection. Never use household glues to repair the nails - only use glues intended for nail use. And never wear artificial nails for more than three months.

When going to a nail salon, be sure that both the salon and the technicians are licensed. Check that the implements are sanitized, and that there is a pre-service scrub. Both the technician and the customer should was their hands with antimicrobial soap before the service begins.

At any sign of infection, the nails should be removed and a doctor should be seen. The idea is to have beautiful nails, not swollen, puss-filled fingertips.