Many women are flocking to salons to have their own nails replaced with elegant, long acrylic nails. According to BeautyTech.Info, American women spent more than $4 billion on artificial fingernails in 2000. When acrylic nails are properly applied and taken care of, there are few problems. If acrylic nails are poorly applied or maintained, fungi can invade underneath the nail, causing a fungal infection. It is important to patronize clean, licensed salons to have acrylic nails applied.
Preparation
Before applying acrylic nails, clean and scrub the hands with soap and water to remove any oils that can prevent the acrylic nail material from adhering properly. According to Hooked On Nails, nail cleaning and scrubbing also removes fungal spores that can cause a nail infection. It's possible that roughing up the nail and thinning it out prior to acrylic nail application weakens the natural nail, increasing the chances for developing a fungal infection. Using proper technique and high quality acrylics alleviate the need for roughing the nail.
Nail Composition
Acrylic nails are typically made from a liquid monomer and powdered polymer. According to Hooked On Nails, the two compounds are held together through a series of cross-links. It is imperative that good quality chemicals are used. If too many cross-links are formed, the acrylic nail can become brittle and crack, allowing fungi to enter under the nail. The polymers shrink somewhat after application. More than 12 percent shrinkage can cause lifting at the cuticle and cracking at the tip, another way fungus can invade the natural nail below.
Infection
Fungus infection occurs when tiny fungal spores get underneath the acrylic nail. According to MayoClinic.com, signs of a fungus nail infection, called onychomycosis, include nail discoloration beginning with a yellow or white spot. If not treated, it spreads, causing a thickened, crumbling nail. There is usually some debris found underneath as the fungi digest the keratin of the natural nail. A fungal infection under an acrylic nail can fester without being noticed, and if left too long, the nail can loosen and separate from the nail bed.
Treatment
A fungal infection in the natural nail must be treated by a physician as soon as it is recognized. The acrylic nail should be removed and left off for the entire treatment period. MayoClinic.com states the treatment time is six to 12 weeks. Oral anti-fungal medication, such as itraconazole, or a topical lacquer, ciclopirox, may be prescribed. The physician may file down the nail to reduce the amount of infected nail.
Prevention
Acrylic nails should always be applied at a reputable salon that is clean and has its license posted in plain view. Choose a salon that uses hygienic techniques, keeping the instruments sterilized and the towels clean between customers. According to HubPages, the fungal spores can be transmitted from person-to-person and instrument-to-instrument. Maintain acrylic nails every two weeks as recommended. Acrylic nails are very strong, but should not be used as tools in place of a screwdriver or to pry objects. Avoid salons that use methyl methacrylate in their acrylic nails, as it has been linked to cancer.
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