Lowvelders find nail fungus under fake nails

MBOMBELA – A number of local women have recently come forward with a similar ailment. After visiting beauty parlours or nail bars to have their nails done, they made the horrific discovery of fungus growing underneath their artificial nails.

Lowvelder investigated the issue to determine what caused the fungus and if it could be cured or even prevented.

On April 17 a local raised the issue on Facebook.

She said she had visited a nail bar in February. While buffing her nails, she claimed that the therapist conducting her acrylic manicure had done so too hard. “My fingers were bleeding,” she complained.

When she soaked off the artificial nails, she discovered that a fungus had grown underneath her nails. She managed to get the situation under control by purchasing and applying a product called Fungus Fix.
Gore was not the only woman whom this had happened.

Another woman commented on the original post, saying that she had suffered various painful mishaps at the hands of beauty therapists’ manicures.
She then went on a manicure training course and now does her own nails.

Lowvelder consulted with You Nails South Africa’s Ms Ross Marais, who provided the paper with a study guide on the topic. Academic articles by Mayo Clinic dermatologist Dr Lawrence Gibson were also consulted.

According to the cited sources, acrylic-nail fungus can occur when acrylic, silk, gel or fibre nails have not been applied using the right methods.

Tiny gaps form between the artificial layer and the natural nail. Water enters the gap and a warm, dark, moist space offers the ideal conditions for the development and growth of fungi. This type of fungi appears green and has been dubbed “the greenies”.

Once one’s nails have been infected, experts suggest soaking off all the artificial nails immediately.  Medical assistance should be sought.

The artificial-nail fungi spreads quickly and may lead to fingernails and toenails becoming deformed, brittle and discoloured.
If not treated in its early stages, acrylic- nail fungus may worsen to the point where nails detach from the nail bed. According to Young Nails’ study guide on nail diseases and disorders, there are a variety of nail disorders with different causes.

Lowvelder spoke to local nail expert Ms Denise Sherriff, who shed some more light on the topic.
According to Sherriff, nail fungus is a common occurrence in the Lowveld.

“The area’s humidity may be partially to blame,” she said. However, there are a number of factors that may increase a person’s risk of being infected with nail fungus.

People who follow a poor diet put themselves at risk. Injuries inflicted to the nail may loosen the nail bed. This puts that area at risk of being infected.

“The loosening of the nail plate is called oncholysis,” Sherriff explained. “Oncholysis is not fungal, but makes your nails susceptible to fungus.”

“People whose hands are in the water regularly and for long periods at a time, may also risk being infected by either mould or fungus,” she explained.

Mould forms a green spot underneath the nail and looks different from fungus.

Habitual nail biting damages and deforms the nail plate and surrounding areas, putting the nail biter at risk of being infected.

Sherriff said that manicurists could keep mould and fungus from their salons by practising the following hygiene regimens:
– Sanitise apparatus such as nail files and tweezers after every use.
– Use a clean towel for every client.
– The LED/UV nail oven must be kept clean.

Sherriff stressed that the cleaning products needed for these purposes are widely available.