A beauty expert has issued a bacteria warning to anyone who wears acrylic nails or have seen them change colour. Millions of people get their nails done at a salon or even at home, meaning many may have experienced the tell-tale fungal symptom.
Experts at False Eyelashes UK have revealed the mystery behind nail discolouration and how to get them looking back to their best. Nails, which change to have a greenish hue, do so when fungus accumulates under an acrylic nail.
The greenish discolouration is caused by bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, found in fresh and salt water. It's most commonly found around swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs and showers.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives in damp places with no fresh air circulation, which is why it can grow under your false nails, just like moss grows in a fish tank if not regularly cleaned out. The dark green or black colour can make your hands look unsightly, but luckily it doesn't necessarily mean you health will be impacted.
How to remove discolouration from your acrylics
If you remove the nail carefully and thoroughly clean both the nails and your hands while letting them air out, the green discoloration usually disappears in a couple of weeks as the bacteria dies. You can speed the process up by soaking your hands in warm water for about 10 minutes, adding a few drops of tea tree oil.
