How nail fungus occur with artificial acrylic nails

Artificial acrylic nails are attached to the natural nails by gluing them with nail glue. There are some possible circumstances wherein nail fungus may grow in between the natural and artificial nails, causing the natural nails to change color, thicken, or rip.

• Nail fungus may occur in between the natural nail and the artificial one if these artificial nails are left on for more than three months. These nails are more prone to nail fungus when left on in humid, moist environment.
• Nail fungus may also grow because you re-glue an artificial nail that is detached from the natural one without firstly cleaning the gap. Causal fungus that is trapped between in the nail glue will grow and multiply, causing damages to your natural nails that may result in darkened or pitted natural nails.

Getting rid of nail fungus from fake acrylic nails

Nail fungus that appear on the artificial acrylic nails may not be life-threatening. However, it may cause the fungus to spread into the natural nails, causing inflammation, itching, and pain, not to mention cosmetically unpleasant natural nail appearance. In some extreme cases, nail fungus that has been spreading into the natural nails may inhibit people from properly and comfortably using their hands or feet. Therefore, immediate treatment is essential.

Home treatment for nail fungus from fake acrylic nails

• Remove the nail and do not put on another one if you suspect an allergic reaction to the nails.
• Clean any excess nail glue using warm water and nail sponge.
• Get rid of infesting fungus using home remedies, such as tea tree oil, baking soda solution, apple cider vinegar, or mouthwash.

Using tea tree oil—Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a few drops of olive oil. After removing the artificial nails and any excess glue, rub the mixture onto the natural nail. Repeat the treatment twice a day until the nail condition improves.

Using baking soda solution—Dilute a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Drench a cotton ball into the mixture and dab it onto the affected nail that has been cleansed. Let it sit for 5 minutes and repeat the treatment regularly.

Using apple cider vinegar—Dilute a cup of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water. Soak your finger in the solution for 5 minutes and dry it thoroughly afterwards. Repeat the treatment daily.

Using mouthwash—Soak the affected nails into the bacteria-killing mouthwash for 10 minutes. Do the treatment daily. You can also drench a cotton ball and dab it onto the affected finger or toenails.

Medications for nail fungus from fake acrylic nails

Some nail fungus from artificial acrylic nails may cause the natural nail to detach from its nail bed. If this happens, be sure you perform proper wound care to prevent infection.

• Clean the wound with water or saline solution.
• Dab a thin layer of Neosporin or antibiotic ointment onto the nail bed.
• Cover the wounded nail bed with breathable gauze to provide moist environment.
• Replace the gauze regularly and prevent it for getting wet.

Should no home remedies work well for the fungal-infected nails, oral medications can be taken. However, these medications may cause several side effects, such as liver problem, so that prolonged consumption should be avoided.

Anti-fungal ointment can also be applied to the infected natural nail and nail bed to get rid of the causal fungus.

Preventing nail fungus while wearing artificial nails

Nail fungus from artificial nails can be prevented by performing some precautions, such as:

• Making sure you are not allergic to any artificial nails and nail glue. To know this, do a little allergy test by having only one nail applied initially. Pay attention to any itching, redness, or pain occurring afterwards.
• Avoid applying artificial nails if you have infected skin around the natural nails, as this may cause bacteria or fungus to be trapped in between the nails, causing nail fungus effects.
• If you are experiencing artificial nails that are detached from the natural nails, clean the gap by soaking your finger in alcohol solution before re-gluing the artificial nail. Re-gluing without firstly clean the gap will cause fungus to be trapped inside the nail and may cause it to eventually spread.
• Avoid wearing artificial nails for more than three months, as these nails might have been exposed to humid, moist, and dirt environment that can be perfect for fungus growth. Replace the artificial nails regularly and give your natural nails a chance to “breathe” before attaching the new ones.