Nails Your Way

Nail Fungus & Mold-Understanding The Problem

More than one out of eight artificial nail wearers will come down with a fungal or mold disorder if they wear artificial nails for more than two years! In a scientific survey of over 200 women who have had fungus or mold, 97 percent claimed the problem was due to the fact that the nail technician did not wash their hands, sanitize the table or drill bit, or use a new towel between each client. Most of the women did not return to the "guilty" salon, and they did not tell the technician about the problem. Several of the women stopped wearing artificial nails completely; others took their business to a higher quality nail salon. In a salon environment, using unsanitary implements can spread nail fungal infections. Also, improperly maintained artificial nails are a frequent cause of bacterial and fungal infections because they may lift up from the natural nail, allowing dirt and germs to become trapped and cause infection. The Nail Manufacturers Council recommends that all implements be washed, cleaned, and sterilized between each client. Sterilization of all implements will kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause skin and nail fungal infections.

Podiatrists and dermatologists are also advising clients not to wear artificial nails long term; feature articles in newspaper and fashion magazines warn of the danger of artificial nails as the primary cause of nail fungus and mold disorders.

Understanding The Problem

A nail disorder can be either of the fungal or mold variety. Fungus attacks the hyponychium (skin under the free edge of the nail). A fungus disorder is colorless or is the color of skim milk in appearance and it causes the nail plate to lift off the nail bed. If left untreated, fungus can cause severe damage to the nail bed and nail plate, and create permanent damage to the matrix. Mold, however is a colorful disorder (green, black, blue, or brown) and only affects the surface of the nail plate.

To fully understand the nature of fungus and mold disorders their method of growth must be understood. Fungal spores are always present in the environment, the air, the earth, vegetables and fruit-all contain spores. Two conditions are necessary for the growth of a fungal spore: WARMTH (32 degrees to 176 degrees F) and MOISTURE (21% or more). When both of these conditions are present, a fungus spore can grow. Other common fungal disorders of the body include jock itch, athlete's foot and yeast infections.

So what causes fungus or mold in artificial nail wearers? The application of artificial nails creates an impermeable barrier between the nail plate and the air (all artificial nails become more impermeable after application, even natural materials like silk and linen wraps). This causes several changes in the environment of the nail. The nail bed can no longer "sweat" (all skin perspires and the nail bed is no exception). Since moisture can no longer evaporate through the nail plate, the moisture content of the nail plate rises from its natural 18% to as high as 28%. Thus, the second and final condition necessary for fungus or mold to grow becomes present-a minimum of 21% moisture (the body at 98.6 degrees being sufficiently warm enough for fungal growth to begin). If fungal spores are present, the environment provided by artificial nails is ideal for their growth.

The fungus problem begins by the introduction of a spore at the hyponychium. If a spore is introduced at the hyponychium it begins to grow due to the warm, moist conditions of the nail, caused by the impermeable barrier of artificial nails.

Nail fungus and mold disorders are not only ugly, but they can also be very unhealthy if not treated. They can eventually deform nails permanently. Lifting of the artificial nails creates a warm moist, dark place for bacteria to breed and can later lead to severe nail fungal infections. The cure for a nail fungal or mold infection is removal of the artificial nails by a licensed manicurist and onyxologist. The artificial nails should be gently soaked off and the natural nail plate should be thoroughly cleansed. Natural nail manicures and the application of a fungal treatment liquid are recommended in order to destroy the growth of the fungus. If the infection is severe, it may be necessary to see a dermatologist or medical doctor to insure adequate treatment.

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Nails Your Way
Jeanne Grace Curtis
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Douglasville GA 30135-4726

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