Nail Infections

What is a 'nail infection'?

A nail infection could be a couple of different things. If you have an artificial nail that's green or brown, or black color, that's because the nail has lifted and moisture has set in. There's a nail infection where your nail looks entire white, it's a white color and it's not attached to the skin. That could be from a puncture wound from a manicure, cleaning under your nailbed with a strong, still implement and breaking that seal, and bacteria sets in. Therefore you have to get topicals from doctors or internal medicine. There are also nail infections that are internal, and it could be all different types. The good news is, if it's the green one, that could be fixed quicker than the white ones, that are lifting from nailbed.

How is a nail infection treated?

Nail infection is treated by either a podiatrist or, if it's a green infection, the manicurist can remove the entire acrylic nail, and reapply an acrylic. With most nail infections, you should seek a doctor's advice for what type of medicine you need to take.

What causes a 'fungal nail infection'?

What causes a fungal nail infection is artificial nail that has lifted, and moisture has set in - over time, that green, scary colour starts to develop. A fungal is normally from an artificial nail that has too much moisture. This is why it is so important to make sure your artificial nails are not lifting - if they're lifting, go in right away - and have it redone.

What causes a 'bacterial infection'?

What causes a bacterial infection is dirty implements, and having these implements break the seal either underneath your nail or the cuticle area. You have to be very careful that you're using soft pushers, and that all implements, whether they're yours, or a salon, are always disinfected to avoid those type of infections. This is because those are the ones that take a very long time to get rid of, almost up to a year.

What is 'psoriasis of the nail'?

Psoriasis of the nail is a red, flaky type of look to the nail. A lot of people could have this. It's very important, if you have this, to seek out a physician to treat it. Do not get manicures when this condition is in its full force because it can be very painful. Also, you don't want anyone touching with implements on that type of condition if it's enflamed at that point.