Infected Acrylic Nail Removal: When to DIY & See a Doctor

Acrylic nails are popular for good reason. They make your hands look great, and they’re known for their durability. But, if you’re not careful, you can end up with an infection.

If acrylic nails aren’t applied correctly or if you don’t take care of them properly, bacteria and fungus can grow underneath the nail, leading to an infection. Sometimes, all it takes is a tiny crack or lifting of the acrylic to create a breeding ground for trouble. That’s why proper application and aftercare are essential.

If you think you have an infected acrylic nail, it’s important to take action. This article will guide you on how to take off an infected acrylic nail safely and when you should seek medical help. Remember, your health is the top priority.

How can I tell if my acrylic nail is infected?

It’s super important to catch a nail infection early. The faster you act, the less likely it is to get worse or cause other problems.

Here’s what to look for:

Visual signs

• Redness and swelling around the nail: This means there’s inflammation in that area.
• Pus or discharge: This is a telltale sign of a bacterial infection.
• Changes in nail color (green, yellow, or black): This could mean you have a fungal or bacterial infection.
• Lifting or separation of the acrylic from your natural nail: This creates a space where bacteria can grow.

Physical sensations

• Pain or throbbing: This is a sign of inflammation and pressure under the nail.
• Tenderness to the touch: If it hurts when you touch your nail, that means it’s sensitive and could be infected.
• Itching or burning: This might mean you have a fungal infection.

When to seek professional medical attention

It’s important to know that treating an infected nail at home has limits. If you’re not seeing improvement, or if your symptoms seem severe, it’s time to call a doctor.

Here are some signs that you need medical attention:

• Severe pain and swelling. If your pain is unbearable and doesn’t get better with over-the-counter pain relievers, or if you notice redness and swelling that seems to be spreading quickly, see a doctor.
• Systemic symptoms. A fever or chills could mean the infection has spread beyond your nail. Swollen lymph nodes can also indicate that your body is fighting a more serious infection.
• Underlying health conditions. If you have diabetes, a compromised immune system, or circulatory issues, you’re at higher risk for complications from a nail infection.
• Lack of improvement. If you’ve been trying to treat the infection at home for a few days and you’re not seeing any improvement, it’s time to see a doctor.

Preparing for safe acrylic nail removal

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. You’ll want to gather these items:

• Acetone (100% pure acetone is best)
• Cotton balls or pads
• Aluminum foil
• Nail clippers
• Cuticle pusher (metal is preferable)
• Gentle nail file or buffer
• Antibacterial soap
• Clean towel
• First-aid antiseptic solution

Next, set up your workspace. You’ll want to choose an area with good air flow. Also, protect the surface you’re working on by covering it with a towel or something similar, as acetone can damage certain materials.

Finally, wash your hands with antibacterial soap. Then, disinfect your nail clippers and cuticle pusher with rubbing alcohol.

How to remove infected acrylic nails

If you think you have a nail infection, your first move should be to see a doctor or other health professional. They can take a look at the infection and prescribe the right medicine to get rid of it.

If you’re dealing with an infected acrylic nail, you’ll want to take the artificial nail off so you can treat the infection directly. Here’s how to do it safely.

1. Trim the acrylic nail

   Use clean nail clippers to trim the acrylic nail as short as you can without causing yourself any pain. You want to avoid making the infection any worse.

2. Protect the skin around the nail

   Protect your skin from the drying effects of acetone by applying petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to the skin around the nail.

3. Soak off the acrylic

   1. Soak cotton balls

      Saturate cotton balls or pads with acetone.

      Place the saturated cotton ball directly on top of the acrylic nail.

   2. Wrap with foil

      To keep the cotton ball in place, wrap your fingertip tightly with aluminum foil, making sure the entire acrylic nail is covered.

   3. Soak

      Give the acetone 15 to 20 minutes to soak in. Check the nail from time to time to see if the acrylic is softening.

   4. Remove the softened acrylic

      Gently push away the softened acrylic with a cuticle pusher. If the acrylic is still hard, give it another 5 to 10 minutes to soak.

      Don’t force the acrylic off, because that can damage your natural nail and make the infection worse.

4. Address stubborn acrylic

   If any acrylic remains, gently file it down with a nail file or buffer, but consider if using nail fungus & Dremel tools for removal is safe, as filing too hard can irritate the infected area.

5. Clean and disinfect

   Wash the area gently with antibacterial soap and water, then apply a first-aid antiseptic solution to the nail bed and surrounding skin.

Aftercare and prevention

Once you’ve removed the acrylic nail, it’s very important to take care of the area and make sure the infection doesn’t get worse or come back.

Keep it clean and dry

Wash the area gently with antibacterial soap and water twice a day. After washing, pat the area dry with a clean towel.

Apply topical antibiotics or antifungals

Use an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment or antifungal cream as directed on the packaging. If that’s not enough, call your doctor. They may prescribe something stronger.

Protect your natural nail

Keep your natural nail trimmed short and clean. Don’t use nail polish or other cosmetic products until the infection has completely healed.

Help your nail grow and heal

You can take a biotin supplement to encourage nail growth, and make sure you’re eating a healthy diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals, especially if you are undergoing dystrophic nails treatment.

Prevent future infections

You can prevent future infections by:

• Choosing reputable nail salons: Make sure the salon follows strict hygiene practices and sterilizes their tools correctly.
• Practicing proper nail care: Don’t bite or pick at your nails, and keep your nails clean and dry. Avoid spending too much time with your hands in water.
• Recognizing early signs: Regularly inspect your nails for any signs of infection. If you notice anything unusual, get help right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Closing

It’s important to act quickly if you think you have an infection under your acrylic nails. Carefully remove the acrylics, clean the area, and keep it dry. If the infection doesn’t clear up fast or seems serious, see a doctor to prevent further complications.