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Home Treatment for Artificial Nail Problems

You may bump or catch an artificial nail, jar it loose from your natural nail, and create a gap between the artificial nail and the natural nail. When this happens, dirt and moisture can get in the gap. A bacterial skin infection or fungal nail infection can develop if the artificial nail is reglued before you clean the gap.

Try home treatment for problems with artificial nails.

  • Remove the nail. Do not put on another one if:
    • You suspect an infection or an allergic reaction to the artificial nail.
    • Your natural nail separates from the nail bed while you are wearing an artificial nail. The artificial nail may catch and tear the nail bed if you leave it on.
  • Clean the space between the two nails if an artificial nail has separated from your natural nail and you do not suspect an infection. Dip your fingertip into rubbing alcohol for about 15 seconds before reattaching the artificial nail.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised October 12, 2010

Last Revised: October 12, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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