Nail Infection queries

What is a nail infection?
A nail infection is usually bacterial infection where the bacteria gets trapped between the enhancement and the natural nail.
What does a nail infection look like?
Staining of nail plate – usually starts off with white patches developing into a yellow or greenish colour. In natural nails, the nail may look thicker. The nail starts to come away from the nail bed, which may come away completely or crumble. The skin will become inflamed or scaly.
How can one get a nail infection?
Infections can happen in a variety of ways: Spreading through the skin as a fungal infection e.g. Athlete's Foot, spread from a toenail, dampness gives a perfect environment to breed bacteria, damage to the nail can make it prone to infections, one or more nails can be infected.
What is onycholysis?
The painless seperation of the nail from the nail bed.
What about other nail diseases or infections?
There are many different types of conditions which contra-indicate nail enhancements, manicure and pedicure. There is a Wikipedia link below that gives more information on this, however if you do suffer from anything – I would advise you to see your doctor, podiatrist or chiropodist as soon as possible.

Information sources:

The Beauty Guild
For more information on nail disease go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nail_disease

Knowledge box:
Healthy nails are a good indicator of your health and wellbeing. It also shows how much you take care of yourself. The more you use your hands and immerse them in chemicals and detergents, without the use of gloves – the more this will damage your nails in the long run.

NB – If you suffer a nail infection, it is important to seek treatment in the early stages as this will become very painful, and will also destroy the nail and nail bed. If your nail enhancements start to turn yellow – make an appointment to see your nail tech immediately to remove the product. Once done, she will then advise you to see your GP for treatment if required.