Doctor warns women against cheap acrylic fake nails – says they can lead to a nasty infection that turns your nails GREEN
- Acrylic nails that are not applied properly can cause a condition called chloronychia
- Also known as green nail syndrome, it occurs when bacteria get under the nail
- READ MORE: The Surprising Health Benefit of Getting Your Nails Done
Beware of acrylic artificial nails – they can lead to a nasty infection that leaves your nail bed crusty and green, a GP has warned.
According to Dr. Sermed Mezher, a GP working in Britain, too often false claws are not applied correctly, leaving a gap between the actual nail and the acrylic nail.
This allows bacteria to seep into the opening and grow in the moist environment, leading to a condition called chloronychia, also known as green nail syndrome.
Posting on his TikTok channel, Dr Mezer shared a video of a woman who suffered from the problem and had hard, crunchy green-colored nails.
According to Dr Sermed Mezher, a GP working in Britain, all too often the false claws are not applied correctly, leaving a gap between the actual nail and the acrylic nail.
To minimize the risk of pseudomonas or other infections, Dr. Mezher to keep a close eye on to ensure good hygiene while applying acrylic nails.
Dr. Mezher said, “Are you thinking about getting cheap acrylic nails done? Think again.’
He points to images of a woman’s nails, which have turned green after a manicure.
He explained: ‘Besides being unsightly, green nails can actually be a major problem as it can take one to four months for the nail to actually grow out, even with treatment.’
Green nail syndrome is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The condition usually responds well to treatment, usually topical antibiotics or vinegar (acetic acid). Sometimes the nail needs to be removed.
“We can use things like acetic acid or antibiotics to get rid of this.”
The bacteria doesn’t just cause nail infections, he said, and in rare cases, it can be transferred from your nail to other parts of your body, according to Dr. Mezher.
To minimize the risk of pseudomonas or other infections, he advises keeping an eye on things to ensure good hygiene while applying acrylic nails.
Ensure that the nail technician washes hands regularly and, for example, uses clean tools for every customer.
Allowing the acrylic nails to dry completely can also reduce the chance of bacterial growth.
Earlier this year, three Americans died, eight suffered vision loss and four had their eyeballs removed after using eye drops infected with the deadly strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The bacteria thrives in wet environments, including hot tubs, contact lens solution, sinks and sponges.