Christine KellerAcrylic nails are popular because they look beautiful and last a long time. However, acrylic nails can also cause pain if they’re done incorrectly. Nails should be filed at a slight angle, the edges should be smooth, and the color should match your natural nail color. If you have acrylics and your nails hurt, it’s probably because something wrong.
What Are the Potential Causes of This Pain?
Nails are often one of the most neglected parts of our bodies. We don’t think about them until they start to hurt. If you’ve just gotten acrylic nails and your nails are hurting, you’re not alone. There are a few reasons why nails might hurt after getting acrylics.
Nail Plate Damage
Acrylic nails are a popular choice for women looking to have long, well-manicured nails. However, these nails can cause damage to the nail plate, which can lead to pain. Acrylic nails are applied by coating the natural nail with a liquid acrylic and then blowing on it to make it dry quickly. This causes the acrylic to become very hard and, if done repeatedly, it can cause the nail plate to become damaged.
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Ingrown Nails
One potential complication of acrylic nails is ingrown nails. Ingrown nails can occur when the side or corners of the nail grow into the skin, often leading to pain and infection. This can be exacerbated by the use of acrylics, as they can cause the nail to become more brittle and susceptible to cracking and splitting. When these splits occur, they provide an entry point for bacteria and fungus, which can lead to infection.
Fungal Infection
Acrylic nails and other artificial nails can cause fungal infection, which can also be very painful. Fungal infection is a common complication of acrylic nails, and it can be difficult to treat. The fungus can cause the nails to become discolored, brittle, and thickened. If left untreated, the fungus can spread to the skin, causing a condition called onychomycosis.
Allergic Reaction
Acrylics are a type of paint that is made from a synthetic polymer. This material can cause an allergic reaction in some people, which can lead to pain. The allergy is caused by the acrylic itself, as well as the solvents that are used to dilute it. These solvents can include things like toluene and xylene, which are known to be respiratory irritants.
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How Can You Treat Nail Pain After Getting Acrylics?
Nail pain is a common side effect of acrylic nails. The acrylics can cause the nails to become brittle and thin, which can lead to pain when the nails are pressed against something. In some cases, the acrylics can also trap bacteria under the nails, which can cause an infection. If you are experiencing nail pain after getting acrylics, there are several things that you can do to relieve the pain.
Soak Your Nails in Warm Water
Soaking your nails in warm water can help to relieve pain and make them more flexible. It is often recommended for those who have acrylic nails, as it helps to soften the adhesive that is used to attach the nails to the nail bed. Soaking your nails before removing acrylic nails can also make the removal process easier.
Use a Moisturizer
When nails are exposed to moisture over an extended period of time, they will absorb the water and swell. This swelling will put pressure on the nerves located near the nail bed, which can cause pain. Applying a moisturizer to your nails will help keep them hydrated and reduce the amount of swelling, which in turn will relieve any pain you may be experiencing.
Take Antibiotics or Other Medications
If you are experiencing pain in your nails after having acrylic nails applied, it is likely that you have a fungal infection. The best way to treat a fungal infection is to take antibiotics or other medications prescribed by your doctor.
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Is There Anything You Can Do to Prevent It from Happening in The First Place?
There are some preventative measures you can take to help reduce the likelihood of experiencing nail pain after acrylic nails.
One way to prevent pain after acrylic nails is to avoid getting them done in the first place. If you’re set on getting acrylic nails, be sure to go to a reputable salon and ask for a technician who has plenty of experience. Acrylic nails can be tricky to get done correctly, and if they’re not applied properly, they can lead to pain and other problems down the road.
Another way to prevent pain after acrylic nails is to take care of them properly. Be sure to keep your nails moisturized, as dry nails are more likely to cause pain. Also, avoid picking or biting your nails, as this can damage the acrylics and lead to pain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, some people may experience pain after getting acrylic nails. However, this is not always the case and typically only lasts for a short period of time. If you are experiencing pain after getting acrylic nails for a long period of time, be sure to consult with a professional to see if there is another cause.
