Have you noticed the discomfort, redness, or swelling around your acrylic nail? If so, there’s a chance that it may be infected. But how do you know if you have an infected broken acrylic nail?
I’m going to share some helpful tips on how to tell if you’ve got a broken acrylic nail, and what you should do if you do have a broken acrylic nail. Keep on reading to find out more…
What Are The Different Types Of Nail Infections?
Acrylic nails are particularly susceptible to infections due to the gap that can form between your natural nail and the artificial one. In this space, bacteria, yeast, or fungi can multiply and lead to infection.
One common type of nail infection is a bacterial infection. It often results in redness, swelling, and pus around the affected area.
If you notice any of these signs of infection on your broken acrylic nail, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
Another prevalent problem is fungal nail infection. These infections typically start with a small white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail.
As it spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause discoloration and thickening. The infected area might also crumble at the edges—a clear sign that you have a fungal infection.
Apart from bacterial and fungal infections, yeast infections are another type you should be aware of.
Yeast infections occur when candida (a type of fungus) overgrows on your nails. They’re characterized by swelling, pain, and an unpleasant odor coming from beneath the broken acrylic nail.
All these types of infections share some similar symptoms: discomfort in the affected area; changes in coloration; increased heat or tenderness; unpleasant odors; changes in shape or texture – all signs that something isn’t quite right with your health.
How Do I Know if My Nail Is Infected Under Acrylic?
Pay close attention if your nails are causing pain or redness, swelling, or feel warm to the touch – these could be early warning signs.
Other indications include a thickening of the nail plate, an unusual smell, or discoloration which should prompt immediate consultation with a professional.
Pain and Redness
Experiencing pain and noticing redness around your broken acrylic nail could be a pretty clear sign of an infection, don’t ignore these symptoms.
If the area starts throbbing or if you feel throbbing pain, this might indicate that the infection is spreading. This type of discomfort isn’t common with a simple break or chip in your nail.
The redness can also give away an ongoing infection. It usually appears around the wounded area and can spread over time if left untreated.
The infected site may become warm to touch due to inflammation caused by bacteria.
Swelling Or Warmth To Touch
Notice any swelling or a warm sensation around the affected nail? An infected broken acrylic nail often leads to inflammation in the surrounding area. Swelling and warmth to touch are signs of an infection setting in.
- Swelling: Your finger may appear puffy and feel tender around the acrylic nail. This is due to your body’s immune response fighting off potential bacteria from the broken nail.
- Warmth: The skin around the infected broken acrylic nail may feel unusually warm to touch. This is another common sign of infection.
- Discomfort: Along with swelling and warmth, you might experience discomfort when touching or applying pressure on the area.
- Change in color: Infected areas can turn red or even purple, which is a clear indicator of an issue.
Thickening Of The Nail Plate
The thickening of the nail plate is usually caused by bacteria or fungi that have infiltrated the break in your acrylic nail and started to multiply.
This condition can lead to discomfort and even pain if not addressed promptly.
If you notice any abnormal changes in thickness, don’t ignore them. It might be due to infection under your acrylic nail which requires immediate attention.
Always remember that a healthy acrylic nail should feel smooth and have a uniform thickness throughout.
Unusual Smell
Catching a whiff of an unusual smell from your manicure isn’t something to brush off. This can be a significant sign that you have an infected broken acrylic nail. It’s essential to understand that fungal infections often produce a distinct and unpleasant odor.
Here are four things you should do if you notice an unusual smell:
1. Don’t ignore it, as this could potentially worsen the infection.
2. Seek immediate attention from a professional manicurist or healthcare provider.
3. Avoid putting on new acrylic nails until the issue is resolved.
4. Practice good nail hygiene and keep your hands dry to prevent further fungal infections.
Discoloration Of The Nail Plate
Spotting a change in your nail’s color might be a clear indicator of trouble brewing beneath the surface.
If you have an infected broken acrylic nail, one of the most obvious signs is discoloration of the nail plate. It may turn yellow, green, or even black in severe cases.
This discoloration is often caused by a fungal infection which thrives in warm and moist environments like under your artificial nails.
Pay close attention to any changes in your nail’s appearance. If you notice unusual colors on your nail plate that doesn’t fade away or seem to spread, it’s time to seek professional help.
Separation Of The Nail From The Nail Bed
When your artificial nail starts to separate from the natural nail bed, it’s a definite sign that something’s not quite right.
This separation of the nail from the nail bed is often an indication of infection, especially if you have a broken nail under acrylic.
You might notice a gap between your actual and fake nails where water or dirt can easily accumulate, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
If left untreated, this could lead to serious complications, including permanent damage to your natural nails.
If you suspect an infection, it’s crucial to disinfect the nail promptly. Visit a professional manicurist or healthcare provider who can properly treat your condition.
How To Know If You Have An Infected Broken Acrylic Nail?
Taking a close look at your broken nail can reveal a lot. If you notice any changes in color, such as yellowish hues or dark spots beneath the nail plate, then this could be an indication of an infection.
Pus discharge from around the broken area is another sign of an infected broken acrylic nail.
Pain and discomfort are also key nail infection signs to watch out for. A simple tap on the nail shouldn’t cause any pain if there’s no infection present.
However, if your broken acrylic nail throbs or hurts when touched lightly, it may be infected.
As well as having pain and discoloration, swelling around the affected area is another clear indicator of an infection.
If you observe that your finger has become swollen and red near the damaged area of your nail, chances are high that you’re dealing with a bacterial or fungal infection.
Besides these physical signs, certain systemic symptoms can hint at an underlying issue too.
For example, if you’ve been feeling feverish or unwell after breaking your acrylic nail, it could mean that the infection has spread beyond just the local site.
How Do You Get Rid of An Infected Broken Nail?
Treating an infected nail promptly can prevent further complications and speed up your recovery. If you suspect that you have an infected broken acrylic nail, it’s crucial to take immediate action.
Ignoring the issue could lead to serious consequences, such as a more severe infection or even permanent damage to your natural nail.
To get rid of an infected broken nail, start by removing the acrylic from your affected finger.
Use acetone for this purpose; soak a cotton ball in it and apply directly onto the fake nail until it starts dissolving. Be careful not to pull or tear the acrylic off as this can cause additional injury.
Once the acrylic is off, clean and sterilize the area thoroughly using warm water and mild soap.
Pat your hand dry with a clean towel before applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment on the affected area.
Covering it with a sterile bandage will help keep out bacteria and protect it from further harm.
Remember that if the infection doesn’t improve within a few days or gets worse after self-treatment, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
A doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics or other medication depending on the severity of your nail infection.
What To Do With A Broken Acrylic Nail Breaks and Bleeds?
Not only is it painful, but there’s also the risk of getting an infection if not properly taken care of. So, what do you do when you’re faced with such a predicament?
Initially, keep calm and try to stop the bleeding by applying gentle pressure using a clean cloth or bandage.
If your broken acrylic nail continues to bleed excessively or for a prolonged period, seek professional medical help immediately.
Next step is to prevent the scenario from worsening into an infected broken acrylic nail. Here are some important precautions:
- Clean the area thoroughly: Use warm water and mild soap to clean around and under the nail. Avoid using harsh chemicals that might aggravate the injury.
- Apply antibiotic ointment: This helps kill any bacteria that could cause infection.
- Bandage it up: Covering your finger with a sterile bandage protects it from external dirt and bacteria.
Keep monitoring your injury over several days for signs of infection like redness, swelling, pain, or pus discharge.
Why Is My Nail Throbbing Under Acrylic?
An infected broken acrylic nail is one potential cause of this discomfort. This situation occurs when bacteria or fungi penetrate through a crack or tear in the acrylic and reach the natural nail underneath.
Infections are often characterized by symptoms such as redness, swelling, pus formation, and persistent pain – including throbbing.
Another reason for your nail throbbing under acrylic could be damage to the nail bed. Improper application or removal of acrylic nails can lead to severe harm to your natural nails.
If you’ve accidentally hit or bumped your hand on something hard, causing the artificial layer to press against your real nail too forcefully, this pressure could result in trauma to the underlying tissue.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms persistently, or they’re accompanied by any signs of infection like discharge or an unusual smell, it’s important to seek professional help promptly.
How To Prevent Broken Nails Under Acrylic Nails?
To keep your acrylics intact and your natural nails healthy beneath, it’s vital to follow a few simple strategies.
These tactics will not only help you maintain the aesthetics of your manicure, but they’ll also keep your natural nail underneath in good shape.
With a little bit of care at home, you can prevent broken nails and potential infection from setting in.
Here are some effective strategies to uphold the health of both your acrylic and natural nails:
- Regular Maintenance: Just like with any aspect of personal care, maintenance is key.
- Get regular fills: If you’re rocking an acrylic nail at home, make sure you get regular fills every two weeks or so. This keeps the gap between your natural nail and the acrylic filled in, which reduces the risk of breakage.
- File down any rough edges: This prevents snagging on fabrics that could potentially tear or damage the acrylic.
- Careful Handling: Your hands are always busy; remember that each movement can impact your nails.
- Avoid using your nails as tools: Opening cans or peeling labels with your fingernails weakens their structure, making them prone to breaking.
- Wear protective gloves when doing housework: Cleaning chemicals can weaken both acrylics and natural nails.
A consistent care routine for maintaining your acrylics is essential. Additionally, if you notice any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pain around a broken nail, seek professional medical advice immediately.
How To Prevent Infection Under Your Acrylic Nails?
It’s a nightmare when your acrylic nail gets ripped, leading to potential infection. Here’s how you can prevent infection under your acrylic nails and keep them looking fabulous.
Cleanliness is key. Make sure your hands are clean before applying or maintaining your acrylic nails. This reduces the chances of fungus under the acrylic and other possible infections.
Ensure that your manicure tools are sterilized. You wouldn’t want any bacteria from unclean tools getting trapped under your nails.
Lastly, don’t ignore any signs of discomfort or pain around your nail area. If you feel anything unusual after getting an acrylic nail application, it’s better to consult a professional immediately rather than waiting for an infection to set in.
What Are the Risks of Not Treating an Infected Broken Acrylic Nail?
If you don’t treat an infected broken acrylic nail, you’re risking severe complications.
For starters, the infection can spread to other parts of your body, potentially leading to serious health issues.
You may also experience chronic pain and discomfort in your finger.
If left untreated, it could lead to permanent damage to your natural nail or cause a deformity in the nail shape.
Can I Still Wear Acrylic Nails After an Infection Has Healed?
Yes, you can wear acrylic nails after an infection has healed. However, it’s crucial to ensure your natural nails and the surrounding skin are completely healthy before applying new ones.
You should also consider having a professional apply them to avoid future issues.
Always maintain proper hygiene with your nails and cuticles to prevent another infection. It’d be wise to give your nails some time without acrylics to strengthen and rejuvenate as well.
How Long Does It Typically Take for An Infected Broken Acrylic Nail to Heal?
The healing time for an infected broken acrylic nail varies depending on the severity of the infection and how promptly you seek treatment.
Generally, with proper care and hygiene, you’d expect it to heal in about 2 to 3 weeks. However, if the infection is severe or not treated promptly, it could take longer.
Is It Possible to Treat an Infected Broken Acrylic Nail at Home, or Do I Need to See a Doctor?
Yes, you can treat an infected broken acrylic nail at home initially. Soak your nail in warm water and antibacterial soap, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, and bandage it.
However, if the infection doesn’t improve or worsens after a few days, you should see a doctor. They can prescribe stronger treatments if necessary.
Always remember to remove any remaining acrylic to prevent further damage or infection.
How Can I Spot if My Cracked Acrylic Nail Is Infected?
Signs of an infection include redness and swelling around the nail, an unpleasant odor, or a yellow pus-like substance oozing from the cracked acrylic nail.
Besides, the natural nail underneath may appear discolored or change its shape.
How Can I Relieve Pain from An Infected or Broken Acrylic Nail?
First, you should remove the acrylic nail as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Then, cleanse the area gently with warm soapy water.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but if you have severe pain or symptoms of an infection, you need to visit a nail tech or a doctor.
Is It Safe to Apply a Coat of Nail Polish Over a Cracked Acrylic Nail?
Applying nail polish over a cracked acrylic nail is not recommended. The polish can trap moisture and bacteria, providing a perfect home for fungus to grow under acrylic nails.
Always repair or remove a broken acrylic nail before applying nail polish.
I Accidentally Broke My Acrylic Nail. how Can I Fix It at Home?
You can use nail glue to bind the broken parts of the nail. Apply a thin coat of the glue, then press and hold the two pieces together.
Use a nail file to smooth any rough edges once the glue dries. However, it’s best to contact a nail tech to professionally fix your nail.
When Should I Remove the Acrylic from My Infected Nail?
Immediately! The longer the acrylic stays on, the more potential damage it may cause. You can remove the acrylic nail using a nail file and nail polish remover.
But it’s recommended to get to a salon to let a professional nail technician handle it due to the risk of further damage.
How Can I Prevent My Acrylic Nails from Infecting My Natural Nail Underneath?
To protect your natural nails, always ensure that your nail salon is following hygienic practices, like disinfecting nail clippers between each client, to remove acrylic from your nails.
Also, avoid biting your nails, keep them dry, and limit the use of harsh acrylic products that could damage your nail. Remember, prevention is always better than a cure.
How Long Does It Take for The Damaged Nail to Heal After Removing the Cracked Acrylic?
Typically, a healthy new nail grows back in about six months when your nail is broken. However, the timeframe varies depending on the individual and the extent of the damage.
Keeping your nails well-moisturized and nourished during this period will support the nail growth process.
Summary
If you have a broken acrylic nail, it’s important to keep an eye out for symptom of infection like redness, swelling, pain, and discoloration.
If left untreated it can lead to more serious issues like permanent damage or deformity in shape or texture.
To prevent infection of your acrylic nails make sure that you practice proper hygiene and seek professional help if needed.
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