What is the most common infection associated with acrylic nails?

The most common infection associated with acrylic nails is actually bacteria. When acrylic nails are improperly applied or if there is moisture trapped beneath the artificial nail, it creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. This can lead to bacterial infections, which often manifest as redness, swelling, and possibly pus.

Fungal infections do occur, but they are generally less common compared to bacterial infections in the context of acrylic nails. Fungi tend to require specific conditions to flourish, which are not as frequently met as bacterial infections, especially with the right hygiene practices.

While mold and viruses can also cause issues, mold infections are rarer in nail applications, and viruses related to nail services typically do not produce infections in the same way that bacteria do.

Understanding the specific nature of infections associated with acrylic nails emphasizes the importance of proper application techniques, hygiene, and aftercare to prevent infections, particularly bacterial ones.