How to Avoid Nail Fungus With Press-on Nails?

Press-on nails add an X-factor to your entire ensemble and play a vital role in completing your look. Although they are easy and safe, you must follow the guidelines to use them effectively. 

Press-on nail application involves adhesive and chemicals, which may sometimes lead to allergic reactions. One may also experience fungal infection if your nails are not adequately dried post indulging in water-based chores.

These infections may lead to acute pain and damage your nail health, even hindering their growth.

But it would be best if you did not worry as you may take precautionary measures to keep these risks at bay. Through this article, we’ll share some super easy and convenient hacks to help you prevent fungal infection while wearing Press-on nails.

Let’s dive in for more details.

What is Nail Fungus and Why Do You Need to Avoid It?

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Nail fungus is a prevalent medical condition in which your nails tend to get discolored with a yellow-brown patch accompanied by thickening and weakening. The infection may not require medical treatment in minor cases.

However, suppose the issue persists and causes acute pain. In that case, you may also want to see a medical practitioner and take necessary measures at home.

It is necessary to avoid this kind of infection as, in severe scenarios, it may hinder your nail growth along with a lot of pain. Apart from that, the infection tends to spread further from the nails and may cause other infections.

Factors such as diabetic condition, old age, having an athlete’s foot condition in the past, etc., may increase the risk of getting nail fungus.

How to Identify Nail Fungus?

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You may have caught a fungal infection in your nails if you are experiencing the below-identified symptoms:

1. Discoloration
2. Growing thicker or thinner than usual
3. White spots on the surface
4. Acute pain
5. Change in shape
6. Curling up or down the nail
7. Brittleness or breakage
8. Poor odor
9. Nails separating from the nail beds

How to Avoid Getting Nail Fungus?

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You may ensure the prevention of nail fungus by practicing the enlisted habits regularly:

• Keep Your Nails Trimmed and Filed to Desired Length

Make a regular habit of trimming your nails. Allowing the nails to grow too long increases the risk of the fungus on your nails. Hence, keep them trimmed per your desired length and file the uneven, thick edges to make them smooth.

You must clean the nail clipper every time post usage. You may use a disinfectant for the same.

• Sanitize Your Hands Regularly

To keep your hands and feet sanitized, you must wash them regularly, especially if you come in contact with an infected nail, as you don’t want to spread it. You may also make use of a sanitizer spray.

• Keep Your Hands Dry as Much as Possible.

Keeping your hands and feet dry is as important as washing them and sanitizing them. Moisture allows the fungus to grow. Hence, it holds great significance in the prevention of nail fungus.

• Apply a Thin Layer of Adhesive to the Underside of the Press-on Nail

While applying a Press-on nail, you apply a layer of nail glue on your natural nail. However, it is recommended that you apply a coat on the backside of your Press-ons first and then on your actual nail.

It allows them to glue firmly, reducing the space between the nails to avoid getting nail fungus.

• Wait for the Adhesive to Dry Completely Before Attaching the Nail

After applying the nail glue to the false nail, allow it to dry completely first. Then apply a layer of glue on your natural nail and place the Press-on gently, and press it with minimal pressure for 15-20 seconds.

• Let Your Nails Breathe Occasionally

For your nail health, it is suggested to always allow your nails regular breaks after applying any nail polish, manicure, or even false nails.

This break does not only allow them to breathe but to recover from the harsh chemicals used in any product or procedure. 

During this period, you must keep them clean, sanitized, trimmed, and filed well. You must apply a strengthening top coat to provide the required moisture and strength to recover and grow.

• Soak the Hands in Vinegar for 30 Minutes Each Day

Vinegar is a very helpful natural disinfectant. And instead of waiting to discover fungus in your nails, make it a regular habit of soaking nails in it for half an hour every day. It will prevent your nails from getting infected.

And even if they do, you can get rid of it in the very initial phase itself by practicing this regularly. 

• Consider Using an Antifungal Spray or Powder on Your Nails

While wearing shoes or even socks, put some anti-fungal powder or spray on your nail plates. It will save your nails from catching infection due to sweat blockage.

• Seek Professional Help if the Fungus Does Not Go Away Within a Few Weeks

If trying out the at-home remedies or preventive measures does not help treat your nail fungus, you must seek medical help as soon as possible.

Suppose you’re facing difficulty walking due to the infection and find swelling around your nails or bleeding. In that case, you must consult a medical practitioner.

Do not delay the treatment, as it would only worsen the situation by spreading the infection further in your body and may also lead to severe pain.

Tips for Keeping Your Nails Healthy and Fungus-free

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Press-on nails are pretty safe to use as they are composed of plastic. However, applying adhesives and such chemicals can sometimes be harsh on your nails. Hence, it would be best to allow your nails to take a break from such products and give them some time to breathe.

To keep your nails healthy and free from fungus, you must keep them trimmed, filed, and sanitized at all times. Make sure to dry them well every time you wash them. 

Remove your shoes and socks every time your feet get sweaty. Wash and dry them well. And change into a new pair of footwear.

Also, avoid wearing moist or sweaty footwear. Always let it dry first. Indeed, carrying an extra pair can be a blessing in such scenarios.

You may be allergic to certain substances or chemicals, so always run a patch test before you apply any product on all your fingernails. It is easier to control and fix if any reaction happens during the testing phase.

Rest, all the detailed preventive measures have been mentioned in the blog. Ensure to read and practice them to maintain good nail health and if you wish to keep up with all the nail trends.