Artificial nails, such as acrylics and gels, are the ultimate accessory flex: shiny, strong, and flawless. But peel back the glossy topcoat and there’s a hidden world underneath. Sometimes, that world breeds a nail disorder, not the cute kind. Here’s what you need to know: how nail disorders form, how to prevent and treat them, and how to keep your manicure game strong.

What Is a Nail Disorder?

A nail disorder is any abnormality or disease affecting the nails, including the nail plate, nail bed, matrix, or surrounding skin. These disorders range from mild aesthetic changes, like slight discoloration, to serious infections or structural damage, such as fungal growth or lifting. Nails are not just for show; they protect the fingertips, influence how we grip things, and reflect our overall health.

When you apply acrylics or gel nails, you create a different environment over your natural nail plate. That environment can become a breeding ground for problems. Understanding what a nail disorder means is the first step to avoiding it.

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Why Acrylics and Gel Nails Can Trigger a Nail Disorder

Why do artificial nails put you at risk of a nail disorder? There are several reasons, and it’s not always the nail tech’s fault, though technique does play a role.

Sealed Environment: Acrylics and gels sit like a lid on your natural nail, sealing in moisture, sweat, or water. That trapped moisture can feed bacteria or fungi, leading to infections that cause a nail disorder.

Mechanical Stress: The added weight and rigidity of artificial nails put constant pressure on your natural nail plate and matrix, the growth zone. Over time, this stress can damage the plate, leading to separation, bending, or microfractures, all signs of nail disorder.

Chemical Exposure: The monomers in acrylic, UV-curing gels, primers, and glue are all chemicals. Repeated exposure can irritate your nail bed, weaken the keratin structure, or trigger allergic reactions that manifest as a nail disorder.

Physical Trauma: Improper removal of gel or acrylic, like peeling or scraping, causes trauma. This micro-trauma can disrupt normal nail growth, thin the plate, and lead to splitting or ridging, all signs of a nail disorder forming.

Poor Application or Maintenance: If a nail tech overfiles your nail, fails to sanitize tools, or leaves gaps at the edges, your risk of a nail disorder increases. Skipping regular fills or leaving enhancements on too long also gives more opportunity for problems to start.

Common Nail Disorders Caused by Acrylics and Gels

When you use acrylics or gel nails, certain nail disorders are more likely to occur. Here are some of the most frequent ones, with their causes, symptoms, and long-term implications.

1. Fungal Infection (Onychomycosis)

Cause: Fungi thrive in warm, moist, low-oxygen environments. When acrylics or gels lift just a little, or when moisture gets trapped under the enhancement, spores of dermatophytes or other fungi can settle in and begin growing. In many cases, the seal between the artificial nail and the natural plate is never perfect, which gives fungi an entry point.

Symptoms:

• Discoloration (yellow, green, or brown)
• Thickened nail plate
• Brittle or crumbly edges
• Distorted nail shape
• A foul or musty odor
• Lifting of the artificial layer

Long-Term Risks: If left untreated, fungal infections slowly destroy the nail plate, making the nail fragile, misshapen, and painful. In severe cases, the infection can spread to other nails or surrounding skin, turning into a chronic nail disorder that is difficult to reverse.

2. Nail Lifting (Onycholysis)

Cause: Onycholysis, the medical term for nail lifting, happens when the natural nail plate detaches from the nail bed. This can be due to:

• Over-filing or buffing
• Heavy, long extensions add stress
• Poorly cured gel or acrylic
• Trauma (hitting or bumping the nails)
• Using aggressive adhesives or chemical primers

Symptoms:

• A visible gap between the nail plate and nail bed (often white or gray)
• Pain or sensitivity under the lifted area
• Air bubbles trapped under the enhancement
• Increased movement (the plate moves when you press on it)

Long-Term Risks: The lifting gap becomes a pocket for dirt, moisture, bacteria, and fungus, which increases the risk of infections. Over time, the detachment can worsen, making it difficult to reattach the artificial nail securely. This persistent nail disorder compromises nail health.

3. Green Nail Syndrome (Pseudomonas)

Cause: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common bacterium, loves moist, dark environments. When water or moisture seeps into the gap under a slightly lifted enhancement, Pseudomonas can colonize the site and multiply.

Symptoms:

• Green or blue-green discoloration of the nail
• Wet or slimy feel under the nail
• Unpleasant smell
• Sensitivity or tenderness
• Softening of the nail plate

Long-Term Risks: If untreated, Pseudomonas can keep growing and damage the nail plate. The color may spread, the plate may thin, and the infection can become chronic, making this one of the more severe nail disorders linked to improper artificial nail maintenance.

4. Extreme Nail Thinning

Cause: Repeated filing and buffing of the nail surface is standard before applying acrylic or gel, but over time, this can remove too much of the natural nail plate. Constant soaking in acetone to remove enhancements also dehydrates and weakens the keratin structure.

Symptoms:

• The natural nail becomes very thin and fragile
• Increased flexibility (the nail may bend or flex easily)
• Increased splitting or peeling
• Pain or sensitivity during daily tasks

Long-Term Risks: Thin nails are not just an aesthetic issue; they are physically weaker. With less support, these nails are more prone to trauma, cracking, breaking, or developing other nail disorders.

5. Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Cause: Some people react to the chemicals in acrylic or gel products. The most common culprits are methacrylate monomers, primers, and glues. Over time, repeated exposure can sensitize your immune system, causing an allergic reaction.

Symptoms:

• Redness or rash around the cuticle and nail folds
• Itchy or burning sensation
• Blisters or swelling
• In severe cases, shedding or separation of the nail

Long-Term Risks: Once you’re allergic, every new set of acrylics or gels can trigger flare-ups. Persistent allergic contact dermatitis is a serious nail disorder because it damages the nail and surrounding skin, making future artificial nails harder to wear safely.

6. Beau’s Lines (Growth Disruption)

Cause: Beau’s lines are horizontal ridges or indentations that form when growth is temporarily disrupted. This could be due to injury to the nail matrix, aggressive removal of enhancements, or constant pressure from heavy sets.

Symptoms:

• Indented or grooved lines across the nail plate
• The lines move outward as the nail grows
• More than one line if the disruption happened multiple times

Long-Term Risks: Beau’s lines are a cosmetic sign of stress, but they also show that your nail matrix was damaged. Repeated trauma can lead to chronic growth abnormalities, making this a recurring nail disorder unless addressed.

7. Nail Splitting (Onychoschizia)

Cause: This occurs when the nail plate develops horizontal or vertical splits due to repeated trauma, dehydration, or aggressive removal methods. Using too much acetone, soaking nails frequently, or peeling off enhancements worsens this.

Symptoms:

• Layers peeling apart (like thin sheets)
• Vertical or horizontal splits
• Rough, flaky nail edges
• Weakness in the nail, especially at the edges

Long-Term Risks: Split nails are more susceptible to further damage, infection, and pain. Over time, the integrity of the nail plate can be compromised, leading to a significant nail disorder that disrupts normal growth.

8. Paronychia (Infection of the Nail Fold)

Cause: When the cuticle is pushed back or cut too aggressively during a manicure, microscopic breaks appear in the skin around the nails. Bacteria (or sometimes fungi) can enter these breaks, causing an infection.

Symptoms:

• Red, swollen skin around the nail (the fold)
• Tenderness or throbbing pain
• Pus or fluid under the skin
• The area might feel warm to the touch

Long-Term Risks: If left untreated, paronychia can become chronic, with repeated flare-ups. This infection is a type of nail disorder that affects appearance and can permanently damage the nail fold or matrix.

9. Nail Discoloration and Staining

Cause: Certain gels, pigments, or low-quality acrylics can leech dyes or chemical residues that stain the natural nail. Also, repeated exposure to harsh chemical removers or harsh filing can degrade the keratin and leave discoloration.

Symptoms:

• Yellow, brown, or white stains on the nail
• Uneven tone across the nail plate
• Transparent spots (if the plate is thinning)

Long-Term Risks: Discoloration itself might not be painful, but it can signal deeper problems. Persistent staining may indicate structural damage or mild, untreated infection, so it qualifies as a nail disorder when it’s not just surface-level.

10. Traumatic Nail Injury

Cause: Extensions, especially long or heavy ones, put your real nails at risk. If you accidentally hit something, twist a finger, or pull too hard, the natural nail underneath can crack, bend, or even tear off.

Symptoms:

• Sudden pain
• Bleeding or tearing at the base
• Splitting or bending of the plate
• Nail loss in extreme cases

Long-Term Risks: Injuries can scar the matrix, permanently altering nail growth. Even without enhancements, you might have a persistent nail disorder in the form of ridges, splits, or weak regrowth.

How Nail Disorders Develop Under Enhancements

Understanding how these nail disorders develop under acrylics or gels shows why prevention is essential.

1. Micro-trauma and Filing Damage: Every manicure involves buffing or sanding the natural plate. If done too aggressively, this disrupts the keratin structure, weakening the plate and making it more vulnerable to splitting or lifting.
2. Heat Damage from Curing: During gel curing, polymerization can generate heat. If your lamp or product isn’t properly calibrated, that heat can cause micro-burns on the plate, damaging the matrix beneath.
3. Barrier Disruption: Primers, dehydrators, and adhesives all strip the natural protective oils of the nail. Without that barrier, keratin becomes brittle, and the nail is more likely to peel or split, eventually leading to a nail disorder.
4. Moisture Imbalance: When artificial nails are on too long, sweat and water get trapped underneath. That moisture shifts your nail’s micro-environment, making it a playground for bacteria and fungi.
5. Repeated Chemical Assault: Removal requires strong solvents (like acetone), and constant soaking or chemical exposure drains lipids from the nail. Over time, this repeated assault dehydrates and thins the plate.
6. Immune Responses: Some people don’t show a reaction until months or years into regular artificial nail use. That’s because the immune system becomes sensitized to monomers, primers, or glues, triggering allergic nail disorder symptoms later.

Risk Factors That Make Nail Disorders More Likely

Not everyone who wears acrylics or gels develops a nail disorder, but some factors increase your risk.

• Frequent Refills or Long Sets: The more often you have enhancements, the more your natural nails are exposed to filing, chemicals, and stress.
• Poor Nail Salon Hygiene: Unsterilized tools or dirty workspaces can introduce bacteria or fungi.
• Poor Application Technique: Nail techs who over-file, skip base coats, or apply glue poorly raise your risk.
• Known Sensitivities: If you’re already allergic to (meth)acrylates, you’re more prone to dermatitis.
• Excessive Water Exposure: If your hands are always wet (pool, kitchen, shower), lifts and infections are more likely.
• Health Conditions: Diabetes, immune compromise, or poor circulation can make your nails more vulnerable.
• Trauma History: If you damage your nails often (sports, accidents), lifting, and other disorders are more likely.

Signs That You Might Have a Nail Disorder

How do you know when things are going downhill under your acrylic or gel? Here are warning signs of a possible nail disorder:

• Discoloration: yellow, green, or brown spots.
• Thickening or crumbling of the nail plate.
• Lifting or gaps under the artificial layer.
• Greenish tint indicating bacterial growth.
• Ridges, pits, or lines across the nail (Beau’s lines).
• Vertical or horizontal splits.
• Redness, swelling, or pus around the cuticle (signs of paronychia).
• Pain, sensitivity, or heat under the nail.
• Itchy or burning sensation (possible allergy).
• Persistent staining that doesn’t go away with regular polishing.

If you notice any of these, treat them as not normal. Don’t just assume it’s a random manicure hiccup.

Prevention Strategies to Avoid a Nail Disorder When Using Artificial Nails

Preventing a nail disorder isn’t about giving up your favorite aesthetic. It’s about smart maintenance and protecting the underlying nail. Here’s how:

1. Take Breaks: Schedule a break every 8–12 weeks. Let your nails breathe, recover, and grow naturally.
2. Use a Trustworthy Nail Tech: Find someone certified and experienced. Ask to see their sanitation routine, how they file, and what kind of products they use.
3. Hydrate Your Nails: Use a good cuticle oil daily (like jojoba or vitamin-E–infused). Keep your hands moisturized to maintain nail health.
4. Avoid Peeling Off Enhancements: Always have a professional remove your nails safely. Peeling damages the plate; soaking gently is the way to go.
5. Check for Lifting: At each fill, or at least every other one, inspect your nails for gaps or lifting. If you see something off, address it immediately.
6. Limit Water Exposure: Wear gloves for dishes or work that requires long contact with water. Dry your nails completely after washing.
7. Switch to Gentler Options: Consider builder gels, BIAB (Builder in a Bottle), or soft gels that require less aggressive filing.
8. Use Antimicrobial Oils: Use cuticle oils with tea tree or other antimicrobial agents to reduce infection risk.
9. Patch Test New Products: Before using a new brand or formula, test on just one nail for any allergic reaction.
10. Support Overall Nail HealthSupport Overall Nail Health: Take care of your body. Diet, hydration, and good general health all influence how strong your natural nails are.l Disorders Under Acrylics and Gels

If you suspect you have a nail disorder, here are some common treatment strategies. How you treat it depends on what kind of disorder it is.

1. Antifungal Medication: For fungal infections, oral or topical antifungals (like terbinafine or ciclopirox) may be prescribed by a dermatologist. Treatment can last months.
2. Antibacterial Therapy: If it’s bacterial (like Pseudomonas), antibiotic ointments or solutions may help after proper diagnosis.
3. Removal of Artificial Nails: Often, the first step is to have the acrylic or gel carefully removed so the natural nail can breathe and recover.
4. Repair and Rebuild: After removal, a nail tech or podiatrist can help rebuild the nail carefully using gentler products.
5. Allergy Management: If contact dermatitis is the issue, you may need to switch to hypoallergenic or monomer-free products.
6. Topical Steroids: For inflammation or allergic reactions, corticosteroid creams or solutions may help reduce redness and swelling.
7. Supportive Care: Using the right cuticle oils, moisturizers, and nail strengtheners helps recovery.
8. Matrix Protection: In severe trauma, a dermatologist might use specialized dressings or treatments to protect or regenerate the nail matrix.
9. Proper Follow-up: Frequent checks with a dermatologist or trained nail professional are essential to make sure the nail disorder is improving.

When to See a Professional 

Knowing when to call in the experts is key. If you experience any of the following, you should definitely book a dermatologist or a medical nail specialist:

• Persistent discoloration (especially green, black, or brown)
• Signs of infection: redness, pus, swelling, pain
• Thickened or crumbling nails that get worse
• Severe lifting or detachment of the nail plate
• Allergic reactions: blisters, rash, burning around the nails
• Nail splits or Beau’s lines that keep coming back
• Nail trauma: bleeding, deep cracks, or detachment

A professional can diagnose whether it’s fungal, bacterial, allergic, or structural, then give you a proper treatment plan so you don’t make it worse. Treated Nail Disorders Can Do

Ignoring a nail disorder unIgnoring a nail disorder under acrylics or gels is not just a manicure mistake. It can lead to long-term damage. Here’s what could happen:s: Chronic lifting or trauma can scar the matrix, causing lifelong ridges, dents, or distorted growth.

• Repeated Infections: Without treatment, fungal or bacterial infections may return again and again.
• Thinning or Loss of the Nail Plate: Repeated damage can permanently weaken the plate, making it very fragile.
• Chronic Inflammation: Long-term skin irritation around the nails can lead to thickened skin or persistent dermatitis.
• Allergic Sensitization: Once your immune system is sensitized, even seemingly gentle products might cause flare-ups.
• Functional Issues: Severely disordered nails can make daily tasks like typing, picking things up, or buttoning clothes painful or difficult.

Final Thoughts on Nail Disorders and Nail Health

Here’s the bottom line: acrylics and gel nails are a beauty staple for a reason. They look gorgeous, make your hands pop, and give you serious glow-up power. But they’re not just decorative; they affect the health of your natural nails beneath. And that’s where nail disorder risk comes in.

If you want to slay those nails and keep your real nails safe, it’s all about balance. Use a pro, pay attention, hydrate, take breaks, and don’t ignore early signs. When you treat your nails like the delicate and magical structures they are, you can have both style and strength.

Your nails deserve to be cute and healthy. Don’t let a hidden nail disorder steal your shine.