Green Nail Fungus From Fake Nails And How To Avoid It?

For many people, getting artificial nails or acrylics applied at a nail salon is an affordable luxury that allows them to have trendy, perfectly manicured nails. However, this popular beauty treatment comes with a risky downside – green nail fungus. This unsightly and stubborn infection can take hold when proper sanitization isn’t followed, putting your natural nails at serious risk.

What Causes Green Nail Fungus?

Green nail fungus, also known as Pseudomonas or greenies, is caused by a bacterial infection. The green discoloration is actually a pigment produced by strains of Pseudomonas bacteria. These bacteria thrive in moist environments, making nail salons a prime breeding ground if tools, footbaths, and surfaces aren’t properly disinfected between clients.

When you get artificial nails applied, the nail technician has to file down your natural nails to rough up the surface so the enhancements will adhere properly. This creates tiny cuts and crevices in the nail bed that allow bacteria to enter if unsanitary tools are used. Pseudomonas bacteria can then take hold under the artificial nail, feeding on nail keratin and spreading the fungal infection.

Signs of Green Nail Fungus

The trademark sign of green nail fungus is a greenish-black or blue-green discoloration on the natural nail underneath artificial enhancements. You may also notice:

• Thickened crumbly nails
• Brown or yellow streaks on the nails
• Brittle, peeling nails
• Foul odor

As the infection progresses, it can cause the artificial nails to loosen and lift as the natural nails continue thickening and crumbling beneath. Green nail fungus is not just unsightly – if left untreated, it can cause the nail to deteriorate to the point where it falls off completely.

Treating Green Nail Fungus

Because green nail fungus affects the area under the nail, it can be challenging to treat with over-the-counter topical medications alone. The artificial nails need to be promptly removed so the infected area can receive treatment.

Your doctor or dermatologist can prescribe stronger oral antifungal medications to address the internal infection. However, these medications can have side effects and don’t always fully cure stubborn cases of green nail fungus. More severe cases may require temporary removal of the entire infected nail to apply a topical antifungal directly to the nail bed and allow a new, healthy nail to grow out.

Preventing Green Nail Fungus from Fake Nails

Because green nail fungus can cause permanent nail damage if left too long, prevention is key for those who get frequent artificial nail services. Here are some tips:

Do Your Research

Not all nail salons prioritize cleanliness and sanitation equally. Read reviews, inspect the premises, and don’t be afraid to ask how they disinfect their tools and workstations. Avoid any salons that use the same footbath tubs for multiple customers without proper cleaning between each client.

Bring Your Own Tools

To guarantee you’re not exposed to contaminated tools, bring your nail files and other implements to the salon. Make sure to disinfect them at home between uses.

Apply A Fungicidal Treatment

Ask your nail technician to apply a fungicidal treatment or dehydrator solution to your natural nails before applying artificial enhancements. This helps kill any fungus or bacteria present.

Educate Yourself On Proper Nail Prep

Before your next nail service, look up proper nail preparation techniques. If your technician skips steps like using a nail dehydrator or neglects to scrub away Surface debris, call them out on it.

Inspect for Signs of Infection

During your nail service, keep an eye out for any greenish discoloration on your technician’s tools or under their nails, which could indicate poor sanitization. If you spot anything concerning, reschedule with another salon.

End Results

If you notice any signs of bacterial infection like swelling, redness, pain, or pus after getting artificial nails, have them removed promptly and see a doctor. Catching an infection early is key to avoiding permanent nail damage.

By taking a few basic precautions, you can help prevent the frustrating and unsightly complication of green nail fungus from artificial nail services. With some due diligence and self-advocacy, you can enjoy beautiful nails without compromising your nail health.