Do acrylic nails go under the skin? (+3 tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss the application of acrylic nails on the nail bed and whether they go under the skin. This article will also cover the management and treatment of skin infections caused by acrylic nails.
Do acrylic nails go under the skin?
No, acrylic nails do not go under the skin. The site of application of acrylic nails is on the cuticle or the nail bed. However, they are never applied directly on the skin present under the nail bed. Acrylic nails are a paste made of liquid monomer and powder polymer that hardens and bonds with your nails using LED light.
When preparing nails for acrylic nail application, the beautician uses a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back. This is done to keep the cuticles away from your nail bed. After this procedure, acrylic nails are applied onto the nail bed with glue. Under no circumstances are they shoved down under the skin.
Our natural nails grow continuously. Because of this, you will start noticing a small gap between your natural nails (cuticle or nail bed) and acrylic nails. As acrylic nails can be removed from the nail bed, it further verifies the superficial attachment of fake nails to real nails.
How acrylic nails can affect the skin?
- Soreness: Acrylic nails form a solid seal over the nails because of which people may feel sensitivity and soreness in their nails.
- Irritation: irritation and sensitization can occur if the acrylic nail is applied inappropriately or the nail tip is not formed correctly.
- Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU): wearing acrylic nails for a longer time can cause PIU. It develops when the hyponychium grows to the underside of the nail. PIU can cause skin proliferation under the fingernail.
- Skin allergy: in rare instances, skin allergy can occur due to the seepage of glue during acrylic nail application.
- Fungal nail infection: with time and due to improper hygiene, moisture and debris begin to accumulate in the small spaces formed between the acrylic nail and the natural nail. This can increase the risk of fungal nail infection (1).
- Nail weakness: Long-term use of acrylic nails can cause nail weakness and thinning.
When to consult the dermatologist?
If a woman feels that acrylic nails are causing pain and inflammation then she should immediately consult a dermatologist. Nail technicians and beauticians are not trained personnel to treat nail infections and inflammations.
The dermatologist will identify the cause of the pain, discolouration, and nail weakness to take preventive actions. The clinical interventions might include:
- Antifungal agents: such as Terbinafine are prescribed when a fungal infection causes skin thickening under the nail.
- Pain relievers: they are often prescribed to lessen the pain associated with nail breakage, bruising, or bleeding.
- Corticosteroids: they are often prescribed for the treatment of nail psoriasis.
- Cuticle oil: the oil is often used to treat thickened skin under the nail.
How to maintain healthy nails while wearing acrylic nails?
- Choose the correct shape: the shape of the acrylic nails can also impact sensitivity. Pointy nails are known to cause more soreness as compared to other shapes.
- Nail glue: cheap nail glue can irritate the nail bed. Always select a high-quality glue for the acrylic nail application.
- Trained professional: always go to a trained, hygienic and experienced beautician for the manicure and pedicure.
- Avoid cuticle trimming: cuticles are pulled back during a manicure through processes of trimming and conditioning to bond acrylic nails with the nail bed. However, the cuticle protects the nail from infection.
- Nail health: eat a vitamin-rich diet. Keratin is also required for healthy nails and hair.
- Nail hygiene: it is important to keep the nails clean and dry while using acrylic nails. Avoid activities that can rip off the acrylic nails and cause infection (2).
- Avoid peeling: do not remove acrylic nails by force. This can increase the risk of infection and nail damage.
How to safely remove acrylic nails from a nail bed?
- Step 1: cut the acrylic acid nails as short as possible using a nail clipper.
- Step 2: If acetone is to be used then apply cuticle oil or petroleum jelly to the nail bed.
- Step 3: Put an acetone-saturated cotton ball on the nail. Wrap it with aluminium foil and allow it to soak for 20 minutes. If an acetone-free nail polisher is to be used then soak the fingers in the bowl for 30-40 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the acrylic nails with the aid of a tweezer in case of acetone-free removal. In the case of acetone, the acrylic nails will fall off their own.
As a health care prefessional, I always avoid the use of acrylic nails. The length of the nail can impact the hygiene, and daily activities. However, if your job and lifestyle allows you to have long artifical nails then it can add to the aesthetics of your personality. With this, nail and hand hygiene is a must.
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References
1.-
Toles A. Artificial nails: are they putting patients at risk? A review of the research. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing. 2002 Sep;19(5):164-71. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12244528/
2.-
McNeil SA, Foster CL, Hedderwick SA, Kauffman CA. Effect of hand cleansing with antimicrobial soap or alcohol-based gel on microbial colonization of artificial fingernails worn by health care workers. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2001 Feb 1;32(3):367-72. https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/32/3/367/282937
