Your natural nails can turn green after wearing fake nails due to bacterial infection. It is also known as “Green Nail Syndrome or Greenis” which often occurs due to trapped moisture or poor hygiene. You can treat and prevent them by keeping nails dry, using antifungal treatments, and practicing proper nail prep.
Discover some effective nail care tips and how to avoid green nails after fake nails in this article.
Key Takeaways
- Symptoms for Green Nails After Wearing Fake Nails
- Treatment to Fix Those Green Stains
- Tips to Prevent Green Nails After Fake Nails
- Options to Avoid Greenies After Fake Nails
Why Is Your Nail Becoming Green After Fake Nail?
Fake nails can lead to greenies for two main reasons:
- Bacteria was already on your nail, and you didn’t clean it well before putting on the fake nail.
- If the fake nails don’t fit perfectly, water, dirt, and bacteria can get under them. It causes infection between your real and fake nails.
This Infection can happen in two spots:
Under the actual nail on top of your skin, or
Under fake nails on top of your real nail.
The green color of your nail after fake nails can thus lead to bacterial disease. So, if you notice greenish patches on your natural nails, you could be experiencing Green Nail Syndrome (GNS).
Green nails are the result of existing fungus under your fake nails. This greenish color comes from bacteria called “Pseudomonas aeruginosa”, technically known as chloronychia.
Just like moss grows in a fish tank when it’s not cleaned, these bacteria can grow under your fake nails. As the infection gets worse, the green color can spread under nails and become dark green or black.
Source: brunette on a mission
GNS often happens to people who have hurt nails or are often around water, like swimmers, dishwashers, and healthcare workers. It can also affect people with other health issues, like diabetes.
What Are the Symptoms of Green Nails Syndrome?
If you’re already facing GNS, your nail may not show any discomfort in the beginning. As the infection gets worse, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Discoloration of nails, generally turning green or even yellow.
- Nails can become thicker and curvy, not normal in shape.
- The affected area might hurt when touched or lightly scratched.
- The nail has a stinky odor around the affected area.
- Debris stuffing under your nails makes your nails look dirty.
- Bacteria can get in and eat skin oils, causing problems.
How to Fix Your Green Nails After Having Fake Nails
Green nails can clear up on their own or be fixed with home remedies. In severe cases, you can go for over-the-counter solutions or seek medical help.
Home Remedies
Initially keep nails clean and dry to avoid bacteria-friendly conditions.
- Soak nails in white vinegar-water mix (1:4 ratio) for 10 minutes to inhibit bacterial growth. You can use 4% or 5% concentration of white vinegar.
- Apply Vicks VapoRub or tea tree oil on nails to combat green fungus.
- Use Listerine mouthwash or lemon juice for their antifungal properties. These products are often available at your nearest store or you can order them online.
| Product Name | Features |
| Vicks VapoRub | Relieves and soothes minor aches and pains |
| Tea Tree Essential Oil | Has soothing and relaxing properties |
| Listerine Mouthwash | Anti-bacterial and refreshing |
- Dry nails after bathing/swimming; avoid moisture to prevent spreading.
Over the Counter Solutions
If you don’t see any improvement then you can try these solutions.
- Consider Bacitracin or Polymyxin B topical antibiotics to clear the infection.
- Try Kerasal Multi-Purpose Nail Repair to improve nail appearance.
- Use FUNGINIX Healthy Nail Formula to target nail issues.
Medical Treatments
Consult a doctor if home remedies or over-the-counter solutions don’t work.
Doctors might prescribe oral antifungal medication like terbinafine. Severe cases may even require ciprofloxacin or nail removal.
How To Prevent Green Nails After Fake Nails?
Preventing green nails involves maintaining good hygiene, proper nail prep, and quick attention to any nail issues. Follow the tips below-
Before and After Nail Application:
- Clean and disinfect fake nails regularly.
- Must sanitize nail tools- clippers, files, and buffers.
- Wash hands or use hand sanitizer before wearing fake nails.
Proper Nail Prep:
- Ensure the nails are dry before applying fake nails.
- Remove invisible cuticles to prevent your acrylic nail from lifting.
- Properly dry nails before dip application.
Hygiene and Maintenance:
- Choose trustworthy salons with trained technicians.
- Always use mild hand wash and carry hand sanitizers.
- Keep hands and nails dry, especially if they’re prone to oily.
- Minimise prolonged contact with water, such as swimming, or dishwashing.
- Use an antifungal spray or powder on your nails if you’re prone to infection. You can find these in the closest store or just order them online.
| Product Name | Features |
| Fungicure Intensive Spray Anti-Fungal Treatment | Helps relieve itching, and burningEasy-use pump spray bottle |
| Instant Cool Athlete’s Foot Treatment Spray | Maximum strength Antifungal ingredientWith immediate Menthol cooling |
- Consult an expert quickly if any nail lifts or damages to avoid bacterial growth.
Alternative Options of Fake Nails to Avoid Greenies
If you’re worried about using acrylic on a green nail, there are other options with some less damaging artificial nails. Here are some choices:
Gel Nails: Gel nails are a popular alternative to fake nails. They are made with a gel-type substance and then hardened under UV/LED light. Gel nails look similar to acrylic nails but might be less harmful to your natural nails. They’re also more flexible and lighter.
Nail Wraps: Nail wraps are thin, stickers type that adhere to your real nails. These wraps help strengthen weak or damaged nails and can be a replacement for acrylic nails with a protective layer.
Nail Strengthener Products: There are treatments you can put on your nails that make them stronger. These treatments can be like nail polish or nail oil that contains biotin, calcium, or keratin. Using these regularly can make your nails healthier and stronger.
Taking Care of Natural Nails: You must maintain regular nail care by cleaning, trimming, and avoiding harsh products. Also, make sure to moisturize the cuticles. Getting regular manicures and using gentle nail products can keep your nails in good shape.
Can I Paint Over My Green Nails?
You can paint over green nails with your regular nail polish. Just make sure you clean your real nails well before it. It’s safe to do as long as you don’t use anything too harsh.
Here is a step-by-step guideline to follow to paint on green nails:
Before You Start:
- Make sure the paint you use is safe for nails and skin.
- Start with a base coat to protect affected nails.
- Clean your nails and remove any dirt with nail polish remover.
Applying the Paint:
- Wait for the base coat to dry.
- Put on the first coat and then apply two or three coats for more strength.
- Let the paint dry completely.
- Apply a top coat for a shiny finish and to seal the paint.
That’s it! This paint can last for up to 2 to 3 weeks with proper care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Green Nails Contagious?
No, green nails usually can’t spread from one nail to another or from person to person. They’re caused by a fungus that gets destroyed by alcohol. Most of the time, green nails won’t make you sick. As opportunistic infections, they’re harmless to healthy individuals.
Will the Green Stains Go Away on Its Own?
Yes, If you make sure to keep your natural nails dry, the greenish color should heal its own. However, you can use DIY treatments or antifungal creams to heal the infection faster. If your nails don’t heal after a few weeks, consult a doctor.
Do Press-on Nails Cause Green Nails?
No, press-ons don’t cause nail green if you carefully use them. While reusing, it’s best to use adhesive tabs to use them up to 5 times. If you decide to reuse the press-on nails with glue, take your time and clean them well. Use a nail file to remove glue, and make sure to disinfect both the fake nails and your real ones.
Final Thoughts
We hope you got the answer to why my nails are green after fake nails.
Keep your hands dry and clean, the green color will usually go away and won’t bother you in the future. Last but not least, using antifungal solutions in your nail care is a must for extra precaution.
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