Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
05:06
Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy
Published on: February 28, 2025
Onycomycosis due to artificial nails
A Shemer1, H Trau, B Davidovici
1Department of Dermatology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel.Hashomer, Israel.
Summary
Artificial nails (ANs) are linked to common fungal infections like onychomycosis. Sampling the distal nail is more effective for diagnosing these AN-related fungal nail issues.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Artificial nails (ANs) are popular cosmetic products.
- AN use is associated with adverse effects, including contact dermatitis and microbial infections.
- Identifying fungal pathogens in nail abnormalities linked to ANs is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify fungal pathogens in nail abnormalities associated with artificial nail (AN) use.
- To evaluate the efficacy of different sampling sites for fungal detection in AN users.
Main Methods:
- 68 patients with nail changes post-AN removal were assessed.
- Mycological samples were collected from the distal nail and proximal nail fold.
- KOH examination and fungal culture were employed for pathogen identification.
Main Results:
- Fungal infection was detected in 98.5% of patients via culture from the distal nail.
- Candida spp. were the predominant fungal pathogens identified.
- Sampling the distal nail yielded significantly better diagnostic results than the proximal nail fold (P = 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Onychomycosis is prevalent in nail abnormalities associated with ANs.
- AN use increases the risk of transmitting microbial infections.
- Healthcare and food industry workers should refrain from using ANs due to infection risks.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails
Nails are one of the important accessory structures of the skin. They are hard, protective structures that cover the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of fingers and toes. Nails are composed of specialized keratinized cells and serve various functions, including protection, sensation, and manual dexterity.
The main components of a nail include the following.
Nail Plate: The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertips or toes. It is a hard, translucent...
The main components of a nail include the following.
Nail Plate: The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertips or toes. It is a hard, translucent...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:20Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...
01:15Antifungal Agents
Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
01:31Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Definition A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic, non-healing wound that develops in individuals with diabetes. It typically occurs on pressure-bearing areas such as the heel, metatarsal heads, or hallux, and carries a high risk of infection and amputation.Pathophysiology • The development of DFUs can be explained by four interconnected mechanisms: neuropathy, ischemia, infection, and impaired wound healing. • Neuropathy is the most common factor. Sensory neuropathy reduces pain perception,...
01:23Hand hygiene
Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Hand washing...