Medical practitioner cautions against fixing artificial nails

 Dr Safiya Ojo, General Practitioner at Wuse General Hospital, has advised women against fixing artificial nail as doing so could predispose them to infection.
Ojo in an interview with  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja said that the chemicals used for fixing artificial nails and polishes could be dangerous to health if used to eat and cook.
According to her, artificial nails, also known as fake nails or fashion nails are coverings placed over woman fingernails to beautify them.
She said that some women wear artificial nails to attend functions while others have challenges growing their natural nails.
According to Dr Ojo: ``Germs can hide in those little spaces in nails; it is better to avoid artificial nails as the chemicals used for the nails could contaminate food.
``Some hospitals do not allow their employees to wear artificial nails or nail polish due to the risk of infections to patients.
``I am not saying that the act of fixing nails is not good; it should be minimised as it could be dangerous to health.”
She said that fixing artificial nails for a long period could weaken the natural nails, thereby causing fungi infection to the hand.
She therefore appealed to beauticians to assist their customers avoid the adverse effects of fixing artificial nails by using good and improved nail cosmetics.
``Nail fixing may cause accident to the cuticles, which can also lead to bacterial infections,” she said.
She warned women that some salons apply poisonous and illegal substance in artificial nails which could cause damage to their natural nails.
``The chemical used in superglue could destroy the nails because super glue was made purposely to join other items such as plastics and rub1ber and not to put on human skin.
``Fixing of nails is very common among young women. There are some who don’t feel comfortable if they do not fix their nails.
``Some women go the extra mile to spend the last cash on them to fix their nails,’’ she said, adding that it was better to maintain the natural nails as the benefits outweigh the risk.
#Alabingo with agency reports.