RA and acrylic nails | Arthritis Information

I thought I read somewhere that someone had a problem when they got acrylic nails...does anyone remember anything about that?

Anyone have them? Anyone have them and have problems?

Thanks...

Phats

There was a thread a while back about nail salons and people getting infections. It wasn't really Ra related though....just nail stuff. Their not a good idea for anyone long term; but if you are going to a clean salon you should be fine.

I'd advise you not to leave them on too long. Over time they really screw up your nails.

Lovie, you said it. They messed my nails up, they were thin as, well, something really thin. Ouch. Big ouch.

Being on Dmards and Biologics I wouldn't get acrylic nails. Just one more thing to worry about re: infection. You can pick up infection from the salon tools and over time you can develop infections in the nails themselves. Usually begins in the nail beds and can be pretty serious because of our immune systems. Lindy

LinB39339.7336689815Up until a few months ago my nails were thin and breaking cos of RA but I bought a product that was used on the hoofs of horses and the people using it found that their nails were getting stronger so it was marketed as a nail product etc. I had heard abou it for a long time but never got around to using it. However, I bought some one day, it's very inexpensive and lo and behold within a month or so I have very hard and strong nails and growing quite nicely. One person thought they were false. I noticed on the back of the tube that it's made in the states so maybe if you have a store selling horse equipment you can enquire about it and pick it up. (note I bought it in Canada) I also filed the top of my nails and that helped get rid of a lot of the ridges and made them smoother. Just thought I would pass that tip along cos I had acrylic nails once a long time ago and hated them.

I've used that before....it is good. You can get it at Wal-Mart I think.

I had acrylic nails for about 3-4 years. Never had a problem during that time.I had acrylic nails also and didn't have a problem.

I don't have acrylic because it looks too thick. I have fiberglass. They're my nails, and a piece of material (fibeglass) is glued on and then buffed. No problems here, had them on for about 10 years.

My salon only uses my own nail files and is extremely clean. I wouldn't go to one that uses the drills, etc., too much risk for infection

Kel, 3-4 years? When you took them off your nails weren't totally messed up? Man, mine were so bad I actually punctured through the nail into the nail bed while trying to pick them off. Talk about pain. I rememeber for two or three days every one of my fingertips just throbbing. Nasty. I thought it went that way for everyone. You must have nails of steel.

Guess like everything else it depends on the person.

I've worn them off and on. I usually do them myself - it's like an art project.

Hi,

This is interesting to me as my nails are starting to be damaged by psoriasis and I was considering having something done... I wasn't keen on acrylics as they scratch up your own nail to get hte surface to adhere the acrylic onto and I know so many people who have wisked they hadn't bothered because it took years for their nails to grow strong again. I'm going to look out for a horses hoof cream but I'm not that hopefful they will sell it in the UK... I have just found a varnish treatment that says it will stop nails flaking and splitting and it seems to work! All my fingers now sport almost proper looking nails that are fairly strong. My thumb nails still a bit split but I am hoping that when the split bit grows out the varnish will work - I have to put 2 coats on then another coat every other day then take it all off after a week and start again. It's an OPI varnish - do you have that? I also use cuticle oil every day (also OPI) which is supposed to help too. I am getting married next year so want my nails to be looking good!

Jasminerain- I have problems with my toenails too, I love having pedicures though (foot massage and hot wax treatment is fab for sore feet)! And I'm teaching my partner to paint them for me in between!