This won’t make anyone green with envy.
Experts are warning of the adverse effects of allowing gel manicures to “grow out” just to save some cash.
“Who doesn’t like gel nails, especially in the summer in a pair of sandals?” podiatrist Keira Moore told The Sun on Thursday. “Spoiler… it’s podiatrists.”
Gel polish often lasts two to three weeks, but some users tend to wait longer to have it removed to space out costly trips to the nail salon.
Experts warn the hardened gel, cured with a UV or LED lamp, can harbor dangerous bacteria.
Moore, who owns York Foot Clinic in the UK, said she “regularly sees nails that have turned green or blue” due to a pathogen known as pseudomonas bacteria.
Aptly called the “greenies” due to its color, the bacterial infection typically develops when gel or acrylic lifts off the natural nail, creating a small gap for pathogens to fester, especially when moisture accrues.
“Sadly, the only cure for this is to remove the nail, kill the bacterial infection and wait months for a new nail to grow back,” Moore explained.
While this type of bacteria is typically not life-threatening for a healthy individual, those with underlying health conditions or impaired immune systems could face lethal consequences.
The bacteria can cause infections in the chest, urinary tract, ears, eyes, skin, blood and more.
Aghast faux nail lovers have been met with unsightly results of irregular fills and removals of their acrylics or gel.
One TikToker warned viewers to remove nail varnish as directed, showing her fungus-ridden nail online.
“Your sign not to keep infilling and just give your nails a break,” the user wrote on a viral clip featuring footage of her nails with green splotches.
But before the beauty-obsessed attempt to cut corners by re-applying their polish at home, they should heed another TikToker’s warning. She claims a DIY manicure landed her in the hospital.
While attempting to cut her own cuticles, the woman reportedly contracted a bacterial infection that resulted in a swollen thumb, removed finger nail and hefty emergency room bill.