Bacterial Nail Infections

     A therapeutic nail tech and licensed onyxologist provides more than just manicures, pedicures and nail enhancements.  Continuing advanced education helps an onyxologist to stay on top of the changing trends within the nail care industry.  Onyxologists are educated on different nail conditions and diseases in order to keep clients safe and healthy.

     A common bacterial nail infection is pseudomonas, commonly referred to as “greenies” and is usually associated with artificial nail enhancement services.  Pseudomonas bacterial infection usually occurs if the nail plate is not properly cleansed and prepared before the nail enhancement is applied.  Bacteria are one-celled, living organisms.  Bacterial infections result when large numbers of bacteria are trapped between a nail coating and the nail plate.  The risk of Pseudomonas is increased by moisture entrapment when lifting occurs with unmaintained nail enhancements.  The extra moisture allows the bacteria to thrive and multiply.  The green color on the nail is a byproduct of the infection due to the waste products created by the live bacterial organisms.

     Prevention is the key to avoiding nail plate infections.  Always make sure that your nail tech cleans the nail plate just before applying the nail enhancement product.  If the surface moisture, oils, (and bacteria) is removed before the product is applied, nail infections will be prevented.  Traditional artificial nail enhancement methods can cause many complications if not applied correctly and maintained properly every two weeks.  Other common complications with traditional artificial nail enhancement methods are thinning of the natural nail plates, allergic reactions in the cuticles, deeply ridged nail beds caused by the improper use of the electric drill, and fungus infections.

     When a pseudomonas bacterial “green” infection is present on the nails, the enhancement product should be completely removed by soaking it off in acetone.  If the stain is very dark the enhancement product should be left off for a longer period of time.  Gloves should be worn when hands are in water or using household cleaners.  It will also help to soak the nails in vinegar several times a day for a few days.  It will take several months for the green stain to grow out as the new nails grow.  If it does not grow out in three to four weeks, or is creating redness, swelling or significant pain or discharging fluid, then see a doctor or dermatologist. 

     There is a healthier nail enhancement method that does not require the use of electric drills or fill-ins.  These artificial nails look like natural nails and they are easily removed every two weeks in only ten minutes.  The health of the nail can be examined every two weeks in order to prevent any complications.  This new method is great for people that are allergic to traditional acrylic or gel enhancement methods.  If you are fed up with having nail beds and cuticles painfully burned with the improper use of the electric drill and suffering painful prying enhancement removal then try the Prescription Nails enhancement method.