Hidden Hygiene Issue
Although long nails may be a trend that people enjoy, they have a price to pay in hygiene, which is often ignored. The area under the nail makes a little protected area, which is kept warm and slightly moist. It makes it a good place for bacteria and fungi to live, even after frequent hand washing. There is research that reveals that most of the germs on the hands are also found under the nails.
What Lives Under the Nails
This is particularly true if it is a matter of long nails or if there is the use of acrylics and gel nails. This makes the nail situation much worse. Artificial nails have the possibility of getting little cracks in them, which can retain moisture. These can also sometimes lift from the natural nail, allowing more germs to enter. The common organisms found under the nails are E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida, and Pseudomonas.
Risky Habits That Make It Worse
These can give one stomach infections, skin problems, and fungal infections. This is more frequent with individuals who have a low immune system. This is the reason many hospitals forbid the use of long or artificial nails by many hospitals for healthcare workers. Even then, a small amount of germs can be dangerous to sick patients in hospital-like situations.
Food handlers are concerned with the same problem, as germs on the nails can be passed onto anything they touch. Nail biting adds a new and worse aspect to the situation as this forces the germs right into the mouth and also sometimes causes skin infections around the nails, increasing the chances of getting fungal infections due to breaks in the skin’s supply of health.
Simple Way to Lower Risk
Keeping the nails short, clean, and regularly cut is one of the best ways of reducing contact with harmful bacteria. This is of utmost importance for individuals working in health care, food service, child care, or anyone who is improving personal hygiene.
