How to know if your acrylic nails are detaching? (+3 facts)
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
This article will tell about the observations made during acrylic nail detachment. We will also discuss different factors that may cause acrylic nails to come off.
How to know if your acrylic nails are detaching?
If you notice the lifting or gap between the acrylic nails from the nail bed, it means your acrylic nails are coming off. The base of the nail bed may become evident due to the formed gap. You may also observe rough edges or jagged corners on the artificial nails.
You may experience pain or difficulty in performing daily activities, applying nail polish or acrylic nail filing. The loosened acrylic nail may wiggle when touched, causing visible breakage and cracks in the acrylics.
The nail bed may become sensitive and change its appearance, colour and texture. If acrylic nails are not completely removed when coming off, they may cause fungal infection in the nail bed due to water entrapment and moisture accumulation.
What factors contribute to acrylic nail detachment?
Many factors may cause acrylic nails to come off. Most of them are concerned with the improper application of acrylics on the nail bed. However, oily nails and nail infections may cause an early fall.
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Improper application
Improper nail preparation, including cleansing and filling, may cause the detachment of acrylic nails from the nail bed. Poor-quality primer (adhesive) often loosens the acrylic nails from the nail bed. Acrylic nails require the filling of adhesive primer every two weeks.
If you wait any longer, the acrylic nail may start to chip or break away from the nail bed. However, primers may cause nail irritation, itchiness and infection. An infection in the cuticles is the most prevalent cause of acrylic nail peeling.
Prolonged use of hot or warm water may loosen the acrylic nail from the nail bed. Soaking acrylic nails in hot water for 10-15 minutes makes them soft and pliable. A little jerk or pressure from the objects may cause acrylic nail detachment.
If you have oily nails, it may cause early detachment of the acrylic nails. Oily components on the nail and nail bed are hypothesized to work as occlusive nail moisturisers whilst delaying water evaporation (1).
The application of acrylic nails on shorter natural nails does not provide enough ground for the acrylic nails to stick on. Alternatively, longer nails may cause early breakage of the acrylic nails.
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Nail infection and other diseases
Nail infection may occur due to the gaps made between acrylic nails and the nail bed. Infected nails appear yellow or darker in colour and may emit an unpleasant odour. The infection causes softening of the nail plate due to which the nail bed is unable to hold the weight of the acrylics.
Allergic reactions to primer or acrylics may last 2-4 months. It is more common in females who apply the acrylics for the first time. Itchiness and paronychia (excruciating pain) in the nail area is the early symptom of an allergic reaction.
The allergic reaction may cause dryness and thickening of the nail bed. However, the nail plate becomes thin and splits easily. The natural nail is rarely lost completely, and the nail regains its original shape after a few months (2, 3).
Acrylic nails may cause traumatic onycholysis when the extension pulls the nail plate away from the bed during detachment (4). Acrylic nails also inhibit water evaporation from the nail, which makes the nail bed to become too hydrated and increases the likelihood of detachment (5).
How to prevent acrylic nails from coming off?
Always select a professional, hygienic, and famous saloon for the application of acrylic nails. It is recommended to use a high-quality acrylic nail instead of cheap and low-quality acrylics. Include biotin, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, zinc and iron in your diet to improve nail strength.
Make sure your natural nails are properly filed and clipped to an appropriate length before the application. Do not soak your acrylic nails in warm water for a prolonged time. In case of cold or tepid water, avoid soaking the nails for more than 1 hour.
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Medication
If the detachment of acrylic nail cause paronychia, consult your dermatologist immediately. The dermatologist may prescribe acetaminophen for the symptomatic relief of pain. Mild bacterial infection may be treated with gentamicin and Neosporin.
In case of severe infection, clindamycin and Augmentin may be prescribed. Often topical corticosteroids, such as betamethasone, are prescribed with topical antibiotics to treat paronychia. It is important to check the expiry of medication, especially betamethasone, as it may increase redness and itching.
Although I have never worn acrylic nails, I have seen females struggling with the maintenance and care of the acrylics. Medical professionals should avoid wearing acrylic nails as they may carry various pathogens and spread the infection to other people.
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References
1.-
Baran R. Nail cosmetics: allergies and irritations. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2002 Dec;3:547-55. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00128071-200203080-00005
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Fisher AA, Franks A, Glick H. Allergic sensitization of the skin and nails to acrylic plastic nails. Journal of Allergy. 1957 Jan 1;28(1):84-8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0021870757900734
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Baran R, André J. Side effects of nail cosmetics. Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2005 Sep;4(3):204-9. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2005.00313.x
4.-
Dinani N, George S. Nail cosmetics: a dermatological perspective. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 2019 Aug 1;44(6):599-605. https://academic.oup.com/ced/article-abstract/44/6/599/6597532
5.-
Baran R. Nail beauty therapy: an attractive enhancement or a potential hazard?. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2002 Jan;1(1):24-9. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1473-2130.2001.00017.x
