Today many of us find ourselves running from one place to another, dropping off kids, picking up kids, and working late, over committing ourselves. When adjusting your schedule what usually is the time slot that is shortened or completely dismissed to put everyone else's needs in line of priority? Your personal time. Who has time to do a manicure today? Having your nails done does a lot for the soul. It's a treat. A high-quality manicure can make your hands look smashing and a thorough hand massage can help relieve stress. Many women do not have nice strong nails. Their nails are weak, brittle and peel. Some women habitually chew their nails. There are a number of health issues involved in nail biting which may lead to abnormal growth that I won't even go into during this article.

Artificially extending your nail is one way to enhance your nails and improve the aesthetic appearance of your hand. There are many ways to artificially extend nails. Acrylic nails seem to be the most common. Not only are acrylic extensions easy to find and fast to apply, but are often less expensive than other forms of nail enhancements available.

There are several concerns to consider when making the choice to have your nails extended with acrylic. The choice to have acrylic applied to your nails requires extremely conscientious personal hygiene and a consistent maintenance program. You should carefully choose your manicurist. Most states today have many regulations covering the cosmetology industry. The requirement of sterilization of the equipment after using on each client is a common and required practice. If you can't tell that the equipment is sterile, ask for it to be sterilized. Heat sterilization vs. chemical sterilization is currently a hot topic. However, Dr. Kunin has always felt that heat sterilization provides a consistent method of sterilization of any type of instrument. If your nail technician does not use a new file on you, you should request one. Most will put together a bag with your file and everything needed together for your sole use.

There are many acrylics available for purchase. There are numerous nail shops that are continuing to use acrylics that contain MMA or Methyl Methacrylate Acid. These MMAs are not manufactured with the intent for the use in natural nail acrylic. Some EPA approved uses for MMA are for dental acrylic, cast sheets for advertising signs, Plexiglas, lighting, plumbing, bathroom fixtures and lacquer. While MMA makes for a strong product in acrylic nail as it bonds well and remains attached to the surface over a prolonged period of time, it may be toxic if exposed to the skin. Side effects include suppression of the central nervous system, irritation to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and some lung damage. High doses of MMA may actually cause pulmonary edema. Today, several of the acrylic nails manufacturers have reformulated acrylics which do not contain MMAs.

How do you know there are MMA's in the acrylic being applied to your nails? Signals include the presence of strong odors emitted from the liquid being used and masks worn by most or all of the technicians in the shop. These signs do not necessarily mean your nail technician is using a product with MMA's but they are the most common. If you are not sure, ask what product they are using and what the chemical content of the product is. There should be a bottle to provide this information.

In the application of acrylic nails it is necessary to file the nail, or rough it up. Some technicians use an electric drill for this purpose. If handled properly, there is no damage to the nail. However, using a drill on the nail raises the moisture level of the nail to 25%. Fungi and bacteria grow on the nail at 28%. There is a narrow margin for error there. The acrylic is applied to the "roughed" up nail at this point. One of the goals in the application procedure is to place the acrylic directly onto the freshly prepared nail bed. This prevents air trapping between the nail and acrylic. If your moisture level becomes elevated above 25%, moisture becomes trapped and the likelihood of infection escalates. Signs of a fungal or bacterial infection are discoloration, thickening of the nail plate, lifting of the nail away from the nail bed or the development of soft, spongy areas. You should seek treatment from a physician should any of these symptoms occur. Recovery from an infection whether due to yeast, bacteria or true fungus, when treated by a physician, can take six months or longer. This is related to the rate of fingernail growth. Anyone who suffers from problems like diabetes, cancer, HIV infection or is in any other way immunosuppressed is more likely to develop infections and would not be a good candidate to try artificial nails.

Acrylic nails can provide an astonishing enhancement to your hands. Not every nail technician uses MMAs or uses drills inappropriately. Many do sterilize and follow the laws set before them for proper sanitation. It is very important to consider these health issues before choosing a nail technician or salon. If you proceed by educating yourself on the issues of nail extensions, you diminish the probability of developing infection or other negative consequences.

Cara Pilch
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

(Any topic discussed in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor.)

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