Artificial Nails and Fungal Infection

It is uncommon these days to see ladies with their nails neatly trimmed to the finger beds. Such ladies are often considered primitive or unsociable. The in-thing for ladies is to visit a salon and have an artificial nails fixed, shaped, and polished to their desired. After this exercise, the nail turns out really beautiful. If you don't have an idea of what am talking about, then, just look at the hands or toes of the lady seating next to you. Are they not  beautiful?
While some ladies continue to enjoy the beauty of visiting a manicurist and pedicurist, others are suffering from the fallout of their last visit to the salon.

The problem might be that their nails have been totally discoloured and can't be exposed, because it has contacted fungi or developed and ingrown nail.The nails are strong yet delicate. They reflect our physiological and psychological condition by their appearance and condition. Human nails are made of keratin comprising protein compounds, which are structurally meant to protect the nails. Nails allow the most working parts of our bodies extremities, such as our toes and our fingers to manipulate, grasp, poke, pry (prise), select, or pull, among others.

Nonetheless, because of the different chores we do, nails are most times vulnerably abused, effected by strong detergents, germs bacteria and fungi. Nails can also be abused by imposing excessive load or force on them, either by biting or wearing tight fitting shoes. Chemicals like nail varnishers, nail varnisher remover solvents, harsh detergents and household products are not good for the nails. Poor diet, medications, alcohol abuse and sickness also affect the physical appearance of the nail. However, fungal infection is the commonest nail infection. Nail fungus is a tiny organism (Tinea unguium), which affects the finger and toenails. This infection usually causes discolouration, thickening and often softening of the nail. Experts say this condition might lead to permanent damage of the fingernail, if it is not treated on time. Fungus lives underneath the nails where it considers a safe place to grow since that part of the body is always dark and damp. The socks and shoes keep the toenails dark, warm and moist, a reason why toe fungus growth appears six times more often than fingernails.

Some of its symptoms range from mild discomfort, pains around the cuticles (fresh surrounding the edges of the nails) itching and decolouration. Aside from the public pools and gym showers, which are considered breeding grounds for fungal infection, nail salons are another source of fungal infection. If foot tubs in salons are not properly cleansed after a pedicure, fungi can live there and infect the next person that puts her feet in the tub. It can also be passed around on a nail file or emery board. To avoid contacting fungus in salons, efforts must be made to properly disinfect equipment before they are used for nail treatment.

Dr. Bodunrin Oluwa, a podiatrist and Registrar of the Lagos State traditional medicine board, said a podiatrist is professionally trained to care for the nails and not like the cosmetologist who only offers cosmetic therapy. A podiatrist or chiropodist knows the anatomy and physiology of the feet, ways of handling its treatment as well as the structure. 
Dr. Oluwa noted that people who wear a particular shoe for a long time would definitely develop a hard foot in form of friction underneath the feet, which consequently, hardens the region. Circulation in that area is restricted due to the hardened tissue. Cases like this are managed by experts. The cosmetologist has minimal knowledge on how to care for the nails. In most cases, they just trim the nails and scrub the soul of the feet with brimstone, while the podiatrist examine the feet, ascertain whether or not there is a problem. If there any problem with the feet, he treats, massage and then exercise the feet. He also counsels on what shoe to wear. Nails disfigured by chemicals can become normal again through corrective treatment, according to Dr. Oluwa, using a drilling machine. He emphasized that attaching artificial nails to the natural nails is highly unethical in podiatry.  In-growing nails are also handled by a podiatrist, a condition where the nail bend and begins to grow into the fresh of the toe to the extent that it becomes very painful when touched. This condition is caused by improperly trimmed nails or shoe pressure from crowding of toes in poorly fitting shoes. It could also be hereditary.  People with diabetes or circulatory disorders are especially sensitive to infection, therefore, a cosmetologist should sometimes inquire of a persons health before cutting and scrubbing the foot with pumice stone, in a bid to rub dead skin off the feet.

Dr. Oluwa warns that acrylic glues used to hold artificial nails is unhealthy, and can cause redness, irritation, swelling, itching and pain.

If you must polish, then use lighter shades of nail polish to allow light get through the nails. Proper attention should be paid to products that are used. Artificial nails are not recommendable because they destroy the underlying nail. The chemicals and glue used are dangerous to the body and are readily absorbed through the damaged nails and nail bed. It has also been known to contribute to the development of fungal infection of the fingernails.

Note: Proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toe should practice by all; toenails should be clipped straight across. Shoes with tight hosiery, which harbour moisture should be replaced with those made of breathable materials. Feet should be washed with soap and water to prevent infection, while socks must be changed often. Instrument used to cut and trim the nails must be disinfected before they are used.