Introduction In recent years, acrylic nails (a type of artificial nails) have gained popularity. Artificial nails not only lengthen your short nails but also makes your fingers look long and slender. But this beauty fad comes with a cost as acrylic nails can be hard on your natural nails. The added length and nail thickness not only interferes with daily activities like typing, cooking, opening cans, etc. but can also permanently damage your natural nails if not done under trained technician. To get acrylic nails to stick, your natural nails must be filed until they feel rough causing your natural nails to get thinner and brittle. Also, the skin around your nails and other areas may become irritated by the chemicals in the preparations used to attach artificial nails. So, it's important to know about the acrylic nails and the damage it can cause along with how to fix damaged nails after extensions. Let’ have a look!

What are Acrylic Nails?

 

The word "acrylic" actually refers to a mixture of liquid monomer and acrylic powder polymer that is bonded to natural nails. This mixture when applied to the natural nail or a plastic nail augmentation tip can be shaped and styled, forming a hard coating. On setting, the mixture then turns into a soft ball that is pushed onto the nail and shaped accordingly. Acrylic is incredibly colorful and has a hard surface that makes it suitable for holding metal nail art. Acrylic nails are also stronger and durable than gel nails, which require a UV light to set.

Problems Associated with Acrylic Nails

Removing acrylic nails can cause scrapping of the nail’s top plate. It may take up to three to six months for the healthy nail to grow enough to replace the brittle nails. Hence, keep your nails bare for some time and give them time to rejuvenate before your next nail extension session.

No matter how tempting acrylic nails would seem, there are a few hazards to keep in mind before going for it, as follows:

1) Allergic reaction

The chemical called acrylates, which aids in the hardening of artificial nails, is frequently linked to allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), a type of hand eczema that causes inflammatory skin conditions.

Both individuals who use fake nails and beauty professionals who apply them may be impacted by this.

·        In contact dermatitis (a contact allergy), the body overreacts to a material when it has allergic contact dermatitis, also known as a contact allergy.

·        Usually, this results in the following skin reactions:

v  Redness and swelling

v  Itching

v  Skin Sections that peel

v  Scaly or cracked skin

v  Dryness

 

·        Preventing contact with the material that initiates the response is the most important activity to take.

·        Usually, steroid creams, ointments, or solutions are used to treat contact allergies.

 

2) Cause brittle and weakened nails

 

The process of applying and taking off acrylics can be equally harmful as the acrylics themselves.

Damage to nails occurs in the following scenarios:

• Roughing up the nail: This step aids in the attachment of acrylics but in turn thins and weakens the top nail plate.
• Acrylic removal through soaking in acetone: This step involves placing nails in the acetone for 15 minutes causing it to become dry and brittle.
• Eliminating residue: After acrylic remover, this step involves removing any leftover acrylic residue by filing off the nail's surface, which further damages the nails.

3) Bacterial or fungal infections

 

There are various ways that acrylic nails can increase your risk of infection:

• The skin around your nails that is damaged or cracked may become contaminated by foreign objects.
• When cuticles are overly dry or clipped, abrasion can happen to them.
• Nail separation can retain moisture and provide the perfect environment for germs and fungi to proliferate.
  Although bacterial infections can occasionally arise, fungal infections like onychomycosis are the most frequent illnesses linked to artificial nails.

 

4) Cause separation between nail and nail bed (onycholysis)

 

Unlike natural nails, acrylic nails are not flexible. Common tasks like cooking and typing injure acrylic nails. The region where the nail attaches to the nail bed is stressed by these motions. This stress can cause the nail to pull away from the skin underneath it.

 

Also, compared to the bond between your nail plate and nail bed, the bond between an artificial nail and your nail plate is stronger. As a result, the likelihood of the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed is higher in those with acrylic nails.

5) Long term use can increase the risk of cancer

The chemicals used to create artificial nails are harmful, containing formaldehyde and resins, both of which have been linked to cancer. Long-term exposure to these toxins through your nails can cause the nail matrix to be completely destroyed, leading to total nail loss.

 

Tips for Reducing Nail Damage with Acrylic Nails

 

1)     Select soak-off gel nails as opposed to acrylic ones. Gel nails are more flexible than acrylic nails, but they can also lead to brittleness, peeling, and cracking of the nails.

2)     Ask your nail technician to forego the cuticle trimming. Your cuticles are frequently clipped during a manicure but cuticles also guard against infections on both the surrounding skin and your nails. It's simpler for bacteria and other germs to enter your body and cause an infection when you cut or trim your cuticles.

3)     Use cream moisturizer on your nails and cuticles, especially after you soak them in acetone. This keeps skin from drying out and cracking.

4)     Don’t try to remove acrylics yourself. Instead, have a professional remove them.

5)     Avoid acrylic nails if you had nail fungus before. Never use them to hide issues with your nails.

6)     Reserve acrylic nails for special occasions. If you adore the way artificial nails appear, save them for a special occasion that will help you avoid nail issues. Your nails have an opportunity to mend themselves from this break and help them heal.

 

The beauty trend of acrylic nail extensions add length, color, and design to the natural nails. Despite the fact that nail extensions are fashionable, it's important to keep in mind that they may damage your nails.  Acrylic nails can harm by providing a haven for bacteria and fungus to grow, can make your nails brittle, cause allergic reaction, and cause separation of nail bed from natural nails. By using acrylic nails less frequently and taking good care of your nails can reduce the risk of adverse effects. If you have eczema or other skin irritation, post wearing acrylic nails, do contact your healthcare provider to find out the best course of action.

 

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