In recent years, beautifully sculpted and decorated fingernails have appeared on the social scene and spread like wild fire. Just look around you, more women than not are now expressing themselves by having unique finger and even toenail creations. Whether you like acrylic, fiber, gel, linen, silk, oval shaped or square, french manicure, long, short, designs painted to match your outfit, you name it, now it can all be yours!

To no surprise, nail salons have spread like wildfire across the country, creating a whole new segment within the beauty industry. And as it is with all industries that have lots of competition, the price of a nail make-over has become so affordable, it is literally available to anyone, even men.  Although I have noted a marked increase in men getting mani/pedi’s, I have to admit that I have yet to see one getting artificial nails or a custom paint job   But who knows? Maybe some brave souls will eventually feel the need to express themselves.  Don’t think that this could happen? Just look back in history and see how ornately men liked to decorate themselves.

For most of my female friends, a weekly trip to a nail salon has become part of their regular beauty regime. Unfortunately, dealing with Nail Fungus seems to have become another for many. I personally know of several female friends that are hiding their toes in closed shoes all year long, and their fingernail under a layer of acrylic. Artificial nails are glued on and don’t allow for the nail to breathe, and if separated from the natural nails, moisture can get under the tip, creating a cozy place for fungus to grow. When a fungal infection occurs, it may initially cause no symptoms. However, if an associated secondary bacterial infection occurs, pain, swelling and throbbing may be the result. If this condition occurs, antibiotics are needed to clear the secondary bacterial infection.

Men using nail spas also carry the risk of contracting a fungal infection, predominately through unsterilized grooming tools and equipment. I do recall the media reporting nail salon closures due to unhygienic conditions, which were linked to spreading fungal diseases a few years back.  Since then many States have imposed hygiene and safety regulations. You can do a Google search or go to your State’s website for more information. We now have the dubious distinction of the acknowledgment of a new term “artificial nail fungus”.

Fungus, as everyone knows, likes to invade and grow in dark, warm and moist places. Covering up an infected nail does neither cure nor solve the problem. Instead, it worsens it because now you are creating the perfect environment for fungus to grow. It is understandable that when a nails look yellowed, brittle and malformed as a result of an infection, the natural inclination is that one wants to hide the condition for fear of embarrassing stares and comments.  So, while the fungus is hidden, the nail(s) will gradually deteriorate to the point where it will become virtually impossible to apply artificial nails to.

It is far better to nip the “monster” in the bud than risk loosing a nail or nails after dealing with it for month on end.  If you are a frequent patron of a nail salon, pay attention to their sterilization procedures and overall hygiene protocols.  Also, give your nails a rest ever so often. Let them breathe for a while before you indulge in more nail art. Especially in the cold month when wearing closed toed shoes for extended periods of time. Examine your nails for signs of infection at least once a week.  Educate yourself on what to look out for and never ignore just the smallest hint of infection.  But most of all, if you already have a raging fungal infection, and yes you know who you are, go see your Doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.

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