Acrylic nails are a clear heat sensitive plastic often referred to as false nails. They cover the most of the nail plate and are fairly hardy and resistant to different environmental conditions. The term acrylic nails is now widely used to describe all manner of false nails including fiber, silk and gel nails. It may be applied as a pre-molded film or more commonly as a liquid mixture that can be shaped once it dries. Primarily used as a beauty accessory, acrylic nails also provide additional nail length and mask brittle and discolored nails. Once fitted, the false nail provides a new surface for buffing and painting.
Acrylic nails can seriously damage your natural nails and the integrity of the nail bed and hamper natural nail growth. The most common problem associated with acrylic nails is a fungal infection that may develop between the false and natural nail (ochynomycosis). Long term use of acrylic nails can also hamper natural nail growth resulting in severely deformed finger nails. Rarely, a dermatitis (skin inflammation) may occur on the skin surrounding the nail and this can be complicated with a bacterial infection (paronychia). Good nail care is essential to maintaining healthy nails even with the use of acrylic nails.
The acrylic nail is inorganic and cannot be infected with a fungus or bacteria. It often masks underlying infections until the symptoms of nail fungus are evident. Fungi require three sustaining factors to develop and grow – warmth, moisture and darkness. For this reason, a fungal infection of the toe nail is more common especially in people who wear closed shoes or perspire profusely. Acrylic nails usually form a tight seal with the natural nail when properly fitted. However any gap that may result between the acrylic and natural nail can provide an ideal environment for fungal growth. The fungus quickly spreads along the nail plate and can cause significant deformity of the nail. The nail may become discolored losing its natural shine and luster. It may thicken and become brittle and crumble. A powdery residue is often noticed as a result of the fungus consuming the keratin of the nail. A prolonged infection may cause deformity of the shape of the nail with significant darkening of the nail plate. If the infection remains untreated, the nail plate can detach from the nail bed (onycholysis).
What to watch for when going to a nail salon:
Be AWARE of STRONG smells. There is a substance that has been banned from the FDA called Methyl Methacrylate also known as MMA, it is an inexpensive adhesive that bonds VERY strongly and dries fast. It can cause skin reactions wherever the nail touches, destroy your nail beds, sometimes permanently. Studies have even show that it can cause nerve damage.
When there is unexpected trauma caused to the nail, the glue is so strong it can cause damage to the natural nail underneath causing increase sensitivity and breakage of the natural nail under the acrylics increasing risks of infections.
If a salon is offering nails for less then $20.00 a set the chances are they are using the less expensive MMA.
20/20 did an investigateive report on nail salons. If you would like to read more about the dangers and what to watch for please click the link below:
Rejuvenation Salon & Spa Blog 