Fingernail Fungus From Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are awesome, whether from a salon or DIY. You can really customize them from the design you want to the length and shape of the nails. 

However, there is one risk that you should diligently watch out for and that is fingernail fungus from acrylic nails. 

Although they are gorgeous and all, you don’t want to risk your health for beauty! But that doesn’t mean that you should avoid using acrylic nails entirely. 

In this article, we are going to tell you more about fingernail fungus, how you can get fungus with acrylic nails, and what to do to avoid it. In case you already have it, we’ll also tell you how to treat your nails.

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Diagnosing Fingernail Fungus From Acrylic Nails

Fingernail fungus is a complication that you can get when you have acrylic nails. There are many home remedies and over-the-counter products you can try, but the only thing proven to work is to visit your doctor for prescription medication.

Before you do that, many want to give the over-the-counter products a shot.

Totally sensible.

Fingernail fungus that develops while wearing acrylic nails can be difficult to see because the natural nails are covered and usually painted. It is best to remove the acrylic and observe for signs and symptoms you should watch.

They are as follows:

• Thickened and brittle nail
• Foul smell from the nail
• Pain when putting pressure on your nail
• Discoloration of the nail 
• Swelling
• Itchiness
• Redness

And of course, sometimes you have a nail break under the acrylic. Ouch!

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How Do You Get Fingernail Fungus From Acrylic Nails

Fungus on the nails is more common in the toenails. However, it can also happen to your fingernails.

This happens as a result of moisture getting trapped in the nail bed. 

Our body is warm. Plus the moisture that’s trapped between the acrylic nails and our nailbed makes for a perfect breeding ground for fungus. 

Whether it is acrylic nails or other artificial nails, the reason for getting nail fungus is the same. It is due to the moisture that gets trapped between them and our natural nail bed. 

Acrylic nails shouldn’t have that space between the nailbed where moisture can get trapped and fungus can grow. If the acrylic nails are properly positioned and properly attached, then it is less likely to get trapped moisture between them and the nailbed.

When the acrylic nail starts to loosen and threatens to pop off, that is when you need to worry. The space between the acrylic and the natural nail bed has expanded. With your every daily activity, you can wet your hands when you wash them, take a bath, wash your hair, wash the dishes, and do other things. 

Then there’s also one more important factor that could cause you to develop nail fungus: the presence of the fungus itself. Even if there is moisture between the artificial nail and the nail bed, nail fungus wouldn’t develop if it doesn’t have access to that space.

The fungus can get into that space during the application of your acrylic nails. That’s why it is best to get your acrylic nails done at reputable nail salons that keep up with proper hygiene.

Also, avoid touching your toenails that have already been infected with fungus. If you need to touch them to treat them, it is best to clean your hands and dry them thoroughly afterward. 

Oh, and don’t forget to disinfect your nail clippers!

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How To Avoid Fingernail Fungus From Acrylic Nails

Even if acrylic nails could help you develop nail fungus, it doesn’t mean that you should completely avoid using them. You could use them less often to also lessen the chances of having nail fungus. 

That will also help make sure your nails are healthier because they are able to breathe in between acrylic nail applications. 

Here are the ways to avoid fingernail fungus from acrylic nails:

Go To A Reputable Nail Salon

A way for you to avoid fingernail fungus from acrylic nails is to go to a reputable nail salon. Choosing the nail salon carefully helps in two ways. 

First of all, you can be sure that the nail salon is hygienic. When the tools are properly cleaned, that will help avoid getting fungal elements trapped between your acrylic nails and nailbed. 

With the absence of the fungus, even with moisture, you won’t develop a fungal infection.

Secondly, a reputable nail salon will have experienced nail technicians. They are capable of properly attaching acrylic nails to your nailbed. 

That greatly helps avoid gaps and spaces where moisture can be trapped. They also know how to make sure that the acrylics attach securely so they do not easily loosen even when you use your hands. 

Observe Proper Hygiene

Take note of what you touch and where your hands go. You shouldn’t be introducing the fungus to your nails either. You should be wary of what you touch and the activities you do with your hands. 

Keep Your Hands Dry

Proper hygiene may involve washing hands but that doesn’t mean you should do it far often than you usually do. In fact, you should avoid getting your hands wet all the time. 

Although you can still wash your hands with acrylic nails, you should avoid doing activities that keep your hands wet most throughout the day. That will help lessen the chance of getting trapped moisture in case there are already gaps in your acrylic nail and fingernail.

If you need to wash your hands, make sure that you dry them completely afterward. 

Consider Using Anti-fungal Products 

Some people are simply more prone to developing fungal infections. If you are one of them, you can take preventive measures by using antifungal sprays or powder in your nails. 

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How To Treat Fingernail Fungus From Acrylic Nails

Fingernail fungus from acrylic nails may not be easily noticeable because the acrylic nail is covering it. However if you suspect that you have one, the best thing to do is to go back to the salon to have the acrylic nails removed. 

Once removed, you can better assess whether it is really fingernail fungus that you are dealing with. Immediate treatment of fingernail fungus should be done so that it doesn’t spread or worsen. 

You should avoid using other fake nails or gel nails until you are sure that the fungus is completely treated. Here are a few products that can help with fingernail fungus. 

Anti-fungal Nail Creams And Treatments

There are different anti-fungal creams, ointments, and treatments available as an over-the-counter product. They specifically target those with fingernails or toenail fungus. 

The Kerasal Fungal Nail Renewal Treatment  is an example. It is an over-the-counter treatment solution that you can apply directly to your nails. We took a close look at Kerasal here.

This treatment is very easy to apply, softens the nails, and may get rid of the fungus. No promises, though. It is capable of hydrating and exfoliating the nails so that you can see improvements in their appearance. 

Home Remedies For Fingernail Fungus

If you want an alternative treatment for fingernail fungus, you can also choose to use some home remedies for fingernail fungus. With this, you can start with the treatment immediately because most of the items are already found at home. 

Here are a few of the home remedies you can use for fingernail fungus:

• Tea Tree Oil
• Vinegar
• Mouthwash
• Garlic
• Vicks Vapor Rub
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Other Essential Oils

These contain anti-fungal properties that help fight the milder versions of fingernail fungal infection. 

Prescribed Medical Treatment

Topical creams, as well as home remedies, are usually enough to treat the milder forms of fingernail fungal infections. However, there are still people who are more prone to severe infections to develop. 

Those who are immunocompromised or have weakened immune systems can develop a more severe form of fungal infection.

When that happens, oral treatments may be required. With such, a prescription by the doctor is required. 

Laser Light Therapy

Another way to help deal with fingernail fungus is through laser light technology. With technological advancements, the use of lasers is much safer and more effective today. It is also made easier because there are No products found. that are small enough to be used at home. 

Improve Fingernail Hygiene

While using other fingernail fungal treatments, you should also pair it up with better fingernail hygiene. This prevents you from further and future fungal infections. 

Although many women want longer nails, it is best to keep your nails trimmed especially during treatment. Longer nails are more likely to trap moisture and to allow the fungus to thrive. Avoid that by keeping your nails shorter at least for the time being.

Boost Your Immune System 

The body naturally fights off microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi through our immune system. A weak immune system will allow that fungus to thrive better because our body is not strong enough to fight it. 

The remedy is to boost your immune system by eating healthier, exercising, and having better hygiene. Although your immune system may not be able to get rid of the fungal infection on its own, improving it can help along with other treatments. 

Boosting the immune system will also prevent the fungal infection from easily spreading not only to the other nails but to other areas of the body as well.