Are you currently dealing with nail damage or a nail condition and unsure what to do? Or are you simply curious and want to be prepared, just in case? In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of the changes you may notice in your nails when using nail products. We’ll share examples of different nail changes, explain how they can be identified, and outline possible treatment options. We’ll also share helpful precautions for using nail products, including what to keep in mind if you have nail damage and/or a nail condition.
It is important to emphasize that if you notice changes in your nails, you should seek advice from your doctor.
A nail allergy can occur as an allergic reaction or sensitivity to the chemicals found in the products used. It often resembles an eczema flare-up and can be painful, with symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, and a burning sensation. Small blisters may also appear, which can burst and develop into sores. Some people find relief by washing their hands in cold water. The eczema can appear on different areas of the fingers, but it is most commonly seen around the areas where the product has been applied. For example, this may be around or under the nail tip, around the nail plate itself, or along the finger.
Does this happen because you apply the products yourself? No, unfortunately, the risk of developing an allergy can occur whether you are highly experienced at applying your own nail products, a beginner, or have them applied by a professional.
What causes allergies?
Most people who experience allergies develop them due to products containing acrylates. This could, for example, include products that contain HEMA. Unfortunately, HEMA is found in almost all nail products – regardless of quality or where you get your nails done. At Nailster, we are actively working to phase out HEMA in all our products. We are already well on our way, as all our colors, builder gels, top coats, and base coats are HEMA-free! So be sure to look out for HEMA-free products – especially if you have had eczema before.
What can you do to prevent and treat allergies?
- We recommend contacting your doctor right away to get the best treatment and care.
- Avoid using any nail products! We know you may feel like you need to do something, and that your nails may not look as nice, but you risk making the reaction worse and more painful. Be patient with your treatment, as an eczema flare-up can unfortunately last a long time.
- Avoid using products from several different brands – this applies, for example, to Gel Polish, Acrylic Gel, lamps, or similar products. The products may contain different chemicals, which can increase the risk of allergies.
- When applying products, do everything you can to avoid contact with the skin. If the product comes into contact with the skin, the risk of allergies is much higher.
Greenie describes a condition where the nail develops a greenish discoloration, which can occur after using nail products such as polishes and tips on natural nails. Green nails are often caused by a Pseudomonas bacterial infection. The greenish discoloration appears when the bacteria have found their ideal conditions: dark areas with little oxygen. This can happen, for example, when using nail tips. The longer the bacteria remain in these areas, the more they multiply. A good rule of thumb is to keep an eye on the color of the discoloration. If the bacteria have settled deep in your nail, the discoloration will appear darker and more noticeable.
What can you do to treat a greenie?
- Any remaining product must be removed from your nail immediately, so the nail can be exposed to sunlight and air. This helps stop the bacteria from multiplying. Please note that you cannot actually remove the bacteria causing the greenie from your nail. It needs to grow out with the nail.
- Your nails and the nail tools you have used must now be thoroughly disinfected. Start by wiping your nails with cleanser and then apply disinfectant spray. Afterwards, disinfect the nail tools you have used to prevent the bacteria from spreading.
- Make sure to keep your fingers and nails clean to prevent dirt from building up on the nails.
Nail plate lifting is an issue that all nail enthusiasts will almost certainly have come across. It refers to a condition where the nail plate partially detaches from the nail bed itself. This may appear as a white patch/area at the tip of the nail or along the sides.
Nail plate lifting can occur for several reasons, such as a blow, impact, or trauma to the nail itself or the finger. Skin conditions on the hands/fingers can also cause the nail plate to detach. Nail plate lifting can occur due to techniques that are performed incorrectly or too harshly. These techniques may include over-filing, incorrect product placement, or forcing the product off the nail.
For minimal nail plate lifting:
- Keep your nails short to help prevent the nail plate from lifting further.
- You can use our Builder Gels to reinforce the nail and make sure the sides are sealed properly. We recommend using a clear product, so you can keep an eye on any changes in the nail.
- Apply oil several times a day – your nail will thank you for it!
- Keep your fingers and nails extra clean.
For severe nail plate lifting:
- Keep your nails short to help prevent the nail plate from lifting further.
- We recommend taking a (long) break from applying products to the nail.
- Apply oil several times a day.
- Be extra careful about keeping your fingers and nails clean.
- If the condition worsens, we recommend contacting your doctor for treatment.
Make sure every nail is clean and dry before applying any product, and that there is no dust or dirt left on the nail. That’s why it is extremely important to take your time and prep your nails thoroughly.
Not sure how to do it? Don’t worry – we have step-by-step guides with all the guidance you need! See them here
Nail fungus is a condition in which the nail is affected by a fungal infection. The infection most often appears as a yellowish discoloration. The discoloration usually starts at the side of the nail, after which the fungal infection spreads over the nail. If nail fungus is left untreated for too long, it can result in the fungal infection spreading to the other nails. Please note that in most cases, the nail infection is only a cosmetic concern and is not contagious, although in some cases it can be. It is therefore important to avoid contact and/or sharing your nail tools with others.
What can you do to treat nail fungus?
- Seek advice from your doctor to have the nail condition diagnosed and to receive treatment. Nail fungus can often be associated with other nail conditions, so it is important to have it confirmed by a doctor before proceeding with treatment.
- There are various treatment options available, such as nail lacquer, treatment pens, patches, or oral tablets. However, treatment can require a lot of patience, as it may take a long time.
Splinter hemorrhages are small vertical streaks that appear on the nail. They are most often located toward the tip of the nail. Splinter hemorrhages are usually caused by everyday trauma, such as a bend or impact. However, they can also occur when certain nail techniques are performed too forcefully or incorrectly, such as filing too aggressively, over-pinching, harsh removal, or using products that are too harsh on the natural nail.
What can you do to treat splinter hemorrhages?
- Splinter hemorrhages cannot be treated; they need to grow out with the nail.
- Can you apply Gel Polish to the nail if you have splinter hemorrhages? Absolutely! In fact, it can help strengthen and protect the nail, reducing the risk of further trauma by ‘sealing’ the nail.
You’re probably familiar with those annoying hangnails that can appear at the sides of your nails and cause a lot of irritation by catching on clothes and fabrics. These hangnails are often sore and can be difficult to get rid of if you don’t have the right tools to carefully trim them. You may even have tried pulling them off yourself and ended up with bleeding or very sore skin around the nail afterward. But what exactly is a hangnail, and why can it be so painful to deal with?
Hangnails can occur for several different reasons, but some of the most common causes are dry skin and putting too much strain on the nails, for example through frequent use of harsh cleaning products or excessive use of nail tools such as cuticle pushers and files. These different types of strain can dry out the skin around the nails, which may ultimately contribute to hangnails forming at the sides of the nails.
Hangnails often occur due to dry and frayed cuticles. To remove them gently, soften the cuticles with warm water or nail oil and then carefully push them back with an orangewood stick. Use cuticle scissors to carefully trim any loose hangnails, but avoid cutting too deeply, as this can lead to irritation. Regular use of nail oil and hand cream can help prevent hangnails from coming back.