acrylic nail damage - Nail Problems Message Board

mary322 · 11-02-2008, 11:42 AM

i removed acrylic nails after 10 years because of an allergy to the acrylic polymers. The nails on my left hand are thin but growing. Several nails on my right hand however are in very poor condition. The hard surface of the nail is gone and I am left with nothing but the under surface.... The striated portion that is extremely soft. The base of the nail seems intact but seems very slow to grow. The nails seem to have a slightly brown discoloration that I attributed to the trauma from removing the acrylics. Are there any suppliments that I should be taking to enhance nail growth and can I safely apply nail polish to strengthen the nail until it grows out...The are very tender!!! My biggest concern is if will the nails ever recover. Thank you

Marti · 11-03-2008, 06:44 AM

The nails will continue to grow from the Matrix which lies under the Proximal nail fold at the base of the nail. Yes, they will be very tender since the nail technician probably removed them by ripping them off rather than safely soaking them off. She also more than likely drilled away too much of your natural nail plate during preparation or finishing of the application. (Shame on your technician for not taking your natural nail health into consideration.)

You should apply NailTek to help strengthen what is left of your nail plate, but please do not apply colored polish. It will only chip and peel, leading you to using harsh products on a nearly exposed nail bed.

Depending on your genetics for nail growth, it can take anywhere form 3-6 months for the new nail plate to grow from Matrix to free edge.