Much ado about acrylic nails

[Punch]

Acrylic nails remain a hit among women. They simply look pretty wearing them!

In fact, any woman, who has a challenge with nail maintenance, would go for acrylic nails. With these you are saved the stress of keeping natural nails and you still look like a diva.

Since most ladies do not have the time to maintain and take care of long and beautiful nails, they opt for a set of acrylic nails attached to their nails when attending any social functions. These nails demand very little maintenance and are easy to wear and remove. They can take more wear-and-tear than the original nails.

However, since acrylic nails are completely artificial and manufactured from chemical compounds, they also come with their own warning signs. No matter how strong acrylic nails seem, they are incapable of protecting your original nails. If the acrylic nails are bent or twisted due to some reasons, it could be very painful for the wearer.

Nothing can substitute healthy, strong nails, which demand a balanced diet with lots of proteins, plenty of water, and enough milk. If you do not know how to properly remove acrylic nails after use, it might cause skin problems.

Moreover, the material used to bond the acrylic nail to the natural may harm the nails or the skin around it. Thus, you should be careful while removing them.

Don't forget nail infection too. Sometimes, a gap develops between the acrylic nail and the natural nail. An example is, if the acrylic nail is bumped or jarred, it may separate from the natural nail. This gap provides a moist, warm environment in which bacteria and fungi can grow. An infection may also occur if an acrylic nail is left in place for prolonged periods, or if the beauty professional uses unsanitary tools to apply your nails. If an infection occurs, the natural nail may become thickened and discoloured. It needs an evaluation from a dermatologist.

Rarely, a person may have an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) to components of acrylic nails or the adhesives used to apply them. This usually results in some redness, swelling and pain around the nail. If it is excessive or persists, consult a dermatologist.

The key to preventing infection and nail damage due to artificial nails is to choose a reputable, licensed nail salon or avoid artificial nails completely while trying to groom your own natural nails.

The Punch