I’ve always envied women who have perfectly groomed and polished nails. I wash my hands at least 20 times a day, so it’s really hard to maintain a manicure. The few times a year when I splurge and get a professional shaping and polish for a special occasion, I know it will last only a few days before the polish chips off.
However, studies have shown that health care workers who wear artificial nails carry more germs (including staph bacteria and yeast) on their nails than those who don’t. If you have acrylics, or are thinking about getting them, here are some important dos:
- Remove acrylic nails after six to eight weeks. Leaving them on too long can cause the nail to lift up from your natural nail. When water gets trapped underneath, it can produce a breeding ground for germs. Let your own nails breathe for a few weeks between applications.
- For a more natural look, ask your manicurist not to apply the acrylic glue too thickly, and request a shape that mimics the shape of your cuticle. A natural shape also makes it easier to type, text, and count change, among other things.
- If your cuticles become red, flaky, or swollen, remove the acrylics and see a dermatologist. Such symptoms may be a sign of a candida yeast infection or an allergic reaction, even if you’ve used acrylics for years.
- If the nail under the acrylic becomes thick, crumbly, or discolored, see your doctor, because these symptoms can be signs of a bacterial or fungal infection.
Valery Amador, Daily Venus Diva -- Daily Venus Diva.
This is a good article especially for me because it seems like I NEVER give myself a break. I love getting my nails done and I have been doing it for years now without taking many breaks in between so this is something to consider. Thanks.