Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
Artificial Nails: Problems and Treatment
Artificial Nails: Problems and Treatment
Overview
Common problems may develop with artificial nails, such as:
- Bacterial infection. You may dislodge an artificial nail from the nail bed by bumping it or catching it. Infection can develop in the gap that forms between the two nails, especially if the artificial nail is reglued before a thorough cleaning.
- Fungal nail infection. This can occur when moisture collects under acrylic nails. It is more common with nails that are left on for 3 months or longer. This type of infection can also happen if you reglue the artificial nail before you clean the gap.
- An allergic skin reaction to the products used to apply the artificial nails. You may develop itching, redness, and swelling around the nail. The reaction may cause the natural nail to separate from the nail bed.
Home treatment
Try home treatment for problems with artificial nails.
Prevention
Here are some tips to help prevent problems with artificial nails.
- Test for a reaction to the artificial nail by having just one nail applied.
Wait several days to see whether redness, itching, pain, or rash around or under the nail or separation of the nail from the nail bed develops.
- Do not apply an artificial nail if the nail or the skin around the nail looks irritated or infected.
- Dip your fingertip into rubbing alcohol for 15 seconds if it separates from the nail bed.
This will clean the space between the nails. Then reattach the artificial nail.
- Do not wear artificial nails for longer than 3 months at a time.
Give your natural nails a month to rest before reapplying artificial nails.
Current as of: November 16, 2023
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.
© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.
Related Links
Nail Problems and Injuries
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>