Having healthy nails is an important part of a person’s personal hygiene and overall health. Unfortunately, many people use nail polish to enhance their look without considering the potential risks involved.
In this article, I’ll share the answer to, can nail polish cause fungus? Plus, the possible effects it could have on your nails.
Best Nail Care Tips To Look After Your Nails
Having healthy, beautiful nails are a source of pride and a reflection of your overall health. To achieve natural nails at their best, proper nail care is a must. Here are some simple tips to help you maintain strong and beautiful nails:
- Use lukewarm water when washing your hands and never use harsh soaps or cleansers – these can strip the natural oils from your skin and nails, leaving them dry and brittle
- Remember to apply cuticle oil after cleansing – this helps keep your cuticles moist, which prevents infection
- Keep your fingernails properly trimmed – trimming or clipping them too short can cause further damage in the form of hangnails
- Wear gloves when doing household chores like dishes or gardening – this will help protect your nails from splitting, chipping, peeling or other damage from exposure to chemicals or solvents
- Avoid using acrylics as well as hard chemical treatments like acetone-based products on your own – they contain harsh ingredients that can damage the nail plate over time
- Always moisturize after washing your hands with lotion that contains emollients such as glycerin, lanolin, shea butter
- Keep an eye out for early signs of fungal infections – discoloration, cracking/splitting of the nail plate are all indicators you should pay closer attention to
- Make sure to get enough vitamins and minerals to fortify the natural nail bed– regular intake of dietary supplements containing Biotin (Vitamin B complex) may be beneficial for healthy growth
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies rich in biotin– foods such as eggs yolks, salmon and chicken liver contain high amounts of biotin, essential for having healthier looking nails naturally
Is Nail Polish Bad For Your Nails?
Nail polish is a popular way to decorate your nails, and it can give them a beautiful, vibrant look. However, wearing nail polish for too long can have negative effects on the health of your nails.
Wearing nail polish prevents your nails from being able to breathe, which can lead to dryness and cracking.
It also traps moisture underneath the polish, creating an environment where bacteria and fungus can grow.
Nail polishes that are not removed properly may contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the natural oils in fingernails.
Removing nail polish often involves using aggressive rubbing motions on the surface of the nail with substances like acetone or alcohol-based removers, which could damage your nails over time if used too frequently.
Therefore, it is important to take regular breaks when wearing nail polish and avoid overusing strong chemical removers when removing it.
Experts recommend wearing nail polish no more than once or twice a week and opting for natural polish remover products whenever possible to reduce wear and tear on your nails caused by harsh chemicals.
What Can Cause Toenail Fungus Infections?
Toenail fungus is a common problem that can generally occur in any individual, young or old. The infection occurs when the fungus accumulates and grows beneath the toenails.
It is caused by uncontrolled moisture on the feet, meaning poor hygiene and clothing choices can increase your chance of developing it.
Podiatry experts agree that toenail polish often traps moisture between the nail and polish, which may create an ideal environment for fungi to develop.
Symptoms of toenail fungus include changes in color or appearance, such as a yellow-brownish hue, unusual thickness or distortion of your toenails.
They may become brittle or chalky in texture, and pain or irritation around the nail bed.
Your feet should be regularly cleaned and dried after wet activities such as swimming or using public showers, and you should wear socks at all times if possible.
This minimizes your chances of catching anything from shared surfaces.
It may also help to avoid tight-fitting shoes that don’t allow for proper ventilation so that your foot won’t stay moist for extended amounts of time.
However sandals are not recommended either, since wearing open-toed shoes increases your chances of exposing your toes directly to external dirt and bacteria.
Wearing breathable athletic footwear might be a better choice since it will permit air circulation while still offering support for walking long distances.
Can Nail Polish Cause Fungus?
Nail fungus can be a common and frustrating problem. While nail polish won’t cause fungus, not caring for your nails properly can create an environment that is conducive to fungal growth.
It is important to keep your nails clean and dry at all times, and to cut them regularly, so they don’t become too long.
Nail polish should always be removed promptly after wearing it, as leaving it on for too long can make the nails brittle or discolored.
As with any medical condition, if you are concerned about the state of your feet and nails, it is best to talk to a podiatrist or other foot specialist who can provide more insight into how to stay healthy.
A podiatrist may even recommend professional care such as debridement or use of specialized tools to help restore your toes and nails back to normal condition.
While nail polish won’t cause fungal infections of the feet and nails, keeping up with proper foot care practices will ensure that both your feet and nails look their best and remain healthy.
If you’re not sure where to begin looking for foot specialists in your area, start by asking friends or family members who they recommend seeing for effective treatment options.
With regular visits, good hygiene practices and quality product recommendations from a trusted source – such as your local podiatrist – you’ll be well on your way towards enjoying healthy-looking toes once again.
How To Tell If You Have Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus is easily identifiable but often overlooked. It most commonly affects toes and can cause thin, brittle or discolored nails.
In the early stages of infection, the patient may notice white spots that surround their toenails.
As the infection progresses, it will cause the nail plate to become thicker and yellow.
Patients who frequently get manicures or pedicures are particularly susceptible to this type of fungus, as it thrives in moist environments.
To prevent nail fungus, it is important for patients to keep tabs on their nail hygiene. Any cuts in the skin around nails should be kept clean and dry, with a bandage applied if necessary.
Any socks and shoes should be kept clean and dry through regular washing cycles at high temperatures.
Most importantly, however, those who frequent public places such as pools or gyms should wear proper footwear to avoid exposing their feet to potentially harmful bacteria present in these areas.
The best way to tell if you have a fungal infection is by visiting your local podiatrist for an examination.
The doctor may take a swab of infected tissues to rule out other causes of nail problems such as psoriasis or eczema before diagnosing a fungal infection.
If needed, they may suggest antifungal medications or topical ointments, which can help treat existing infections while also making sure that new ones do not form again in the future when combined with proper prevention techniques outlined above.
How Often Should You Give Your Nails A Break From Nail Polish?
If you love to keep your nails polished, it’s important to give them a break now and then.
Repeated application of nail polish can cause damage to your nail and skin health, so encouraging breaks between applications is essential.
To get your nails in top condition and protect them from potential harm caused by frequent polishing, try leaving the paint brush behind for at least one day a week.
This will enable the natural oils in your nails to become more prominent, while also allowing the transfer of oxygen, which further encourages growth and strengthens cuticles.
If not caring for your nails during these mini-breaks seems like too much effort, why not treat yourself and apply a nourishing hand cream or oil? After all, looking after yourself should always be a priority.
Top Tips To Help You Get Rid Of Nail Fungus
One of the best tips to help get rid of nail fungus is proper sterilization. To prevent the spread of Onychomycosis, use a clean and sterilized nail clipper before and after each trimming session.
Soak your feet in lukewarm water for 15 minutes every day to keep your nails healthy.
Make sure to follow up with a skin care routine such as drying your feet thoroughly and rubbing lotion or cream on them daily.
If you have an existing fungal infection, it can take several weeks or months of ongoing treatment until the fungi are totally gone from your nails. Talk to a doctor about prescription treatments available for long-term success.
Summary
If you’re wondering, can nail polish cause fungus? The answer is yes. Nail polish creates an environment where bacteria and fungus can develop, while also preventing the nails from being able to breathe.
It is important to take regular breaks when wearing nail polish and avoid overusing strong chemical removers when removing it.
To prevent fungal infections of the feet and nails, keep your feet clean and dry at all times, use breathable shoes that allow for proper ventilation and consider taking dietary supplements containing Biotin (Vitamin B complex).
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