- With Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Dr. Lawrence Gibson likens bad health information on the Internet to food poisoning.
Consumers, he said, need to be aware, and will find reliable information at MayoClinic.com.
Dr. Gibson, a Covington, Ky., native, has been with Mayo since 1986 and is board certified in dermatology, dermatopathology and immunodermatology. He is a professor of dermatology at Mayo Medical School and a consultant in the Department of Dermatology.
Dr. Gibson has been director of the Dermatopathology Laboratory since 1998 and chair of the Laboratory Division in the Department of Dermatology since 2000. He is especially interested in inflammatory disorders of the skin and lymphoma affecting the skin.
"Electronic information is becoming a staple in the diet of a health conscious society," he said. "It's important to avoid misinformation and provide a credible source for health information. Using this analogy, it's critical to avoid 'indigestion' or worse yet, 'food poisoning' by the ingestion of tainted information."
Staying healthy (3)
- Air fresheners: Are continuous scents harmful?
- Cell phones and cancer: What's the risk?
- Mammogram guidelines: What's changed?
Dental care (3)
- Whitening toothpaste: Does it actually whiten teeth?
- Dental floss vs. water pick: Which is better?
- Electric toothbrush: Better than a regular toothbrush?
Skin care (7)
- Healthy skin: What role does diet play?
- Tanning beds: Safer than the sun?
- Tattoos and MRIs: What's the risk?
- see all in Skin care
Nail care (4)
- Acrylic nails: Can they harm your natural nails?
- Split fingernails: What causes them?
- Nail biting: Does it cause long-term damage?
- see all in Nail care
Eye care (2)
- Eye exam: Do I need a laser retina scan?
- Choosing sunglasses: Is UV protection important?
Sleep (3)
- Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?
- Sleep guidelines: How many hours of sleep are enough?
- Sleep aids: Can antihistamines help me sleep?
Mental health (1)
- Passive-aggressive behavior: How can I recognize it?
Healthy at work (3)
- Shift work: How do I adjust to daytime sleeping?
- Leg pain after prolonged standing or sitting: A concern?
- Test anxiety: Can it be treated?
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Question
Acrylic nails: Can they harm your natural nails?
Can I harm my natural nails by wearing acrylic nails every day?
Answer
from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Acrylic nails generally are safe and won't harm your natural nails. However, a serious problem that may result from acrylic nails is a nail infection.
Sometimes a gap develops between the acrylic nail and the natural nail — for example, if the acrylic nail is bumped or jarred, it may separate from the natural nail. This gap provides a moist, warm environment in which bacteria and fungi can grow. An infection may also occur if an acrylic nail is left in place for prolonged periods, or if the salon uses unsanitary tools to apply your nails. If an infection occurs, the natural nail may become thickened and discolored and should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Rarely, a person may have an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) to components of acrylic nails or the adhesives used to apply them. This usually results in some redness, swelling and pain around the nail. If it's excessive or persists, consult a dermatologist.
The key to preventing infection and nail damage due to artificial nails is to choose a reputable, licensed nail salon.
| Choosing a safe nail salon — Questions you should ask |
|---|
| Is the salon licensed? If the license isn't posted, ask to see it. |
| Are the nail technicians licensed? If the licenses aren't posted, ask to see them. |
| How are nail implements sanitized? Heat sterilization (autoclaving) is best. |
| Is there a pre-service scrub? Both the nail technician and the client should wash their hands with antimicrobial soap before nail work begins. |
| Is each customer given a fresh bowl of soapy water to soak his or her nails in, and is a new nail file used for each customer? Consider bringing your own nail file, since nail files can't be sterilized. |
| Is the facility neat and clean? |
| Is there a strong smell of fumes? If there is, it's a sign that the facility is poorly ventilated. |
Split fingernails: What causes them?
- Nail care products. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm127068.htm. Accessed Nov. 22, 2009.
- Dahdah MJ, et al. Nail diseases related to nail cosmetics. Dermatologic Clinics. 2006;24:233.
- Rich P. Nail cosmetics. Dermatologic Clinics. 2006;24:393.
- Stubborn nail problems can improve from proper diagnosis, treatment by dermatologists. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/media/background/news/Releases/Stubborn_Nail_Problems_Can_Improve_From_Proper_Dia/. Accessed Nov. 22, 2009.
- Reducing air pollution from: Nail salons. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/air/community/guide/nail_salons_oo_sheet.pdf. Accessed Nov. 22, 2009.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 7, 2009.
