A WOMAN has issued a warning to others after being left with green, peeling and hanging off nails following a gel manicure.
Joanne Hardcastle prided herself on having “neat, colourful “, and regularly went for manicures.
Joanne Hardcastle was left “absolutely horrified” when her nails ended up green and peelingCredit: supplied
She had always prided herself on having “neat, colourful nails”Credit: supplied
But after noticing her nails looked slightly green when her builder gel was removed, it was her next re-application appointment that it was taken off and her nails looked like thisCredit: supplied
The nails also started coming away from the nail bed, and split in painful placesCredit: supplied
At the end of last year, her nail lady suggested she should try builder gel, which aims to give a better finish with less chips.
It still needs reapplying as often as gels, and when Joanne went to get her first builder gel redo, she noticed there was a slight green tinge on her natural nails.
She pointed it out to the manicurist, who said it was nothing to worry about, and applied the next load of builder gel over the top.
The next time Joanne went to have her she was left “absolutely horrified” when the layer of builder gel was removed, and she saw what was beneath.
Namely entirely green nails with a distinctive, awful smell which were lifting up from the nail bed.
“I was so upset I felt like I had to hide my hands and I didn’t want anybody to notice them,” she said.
This became increasingly difficult due to Joanne’s interiors Instagram page, which involves her showing her hands on camera a lot of the time.
She eventually told her followers, many of whom got in touch to share their own, similar experiences, as well as informing her agent as it was affecting her work.
Joanne also sent a picture to a doctor friend, who advised her to seek medical attention, which she did by booking an appointment with a private podiatrist.
They tested for a fungal infection – which cost her £200 – but that came back negative, leading to the podiatrist diagnosing her with a bacterial infection.
“They prescribed me a lotion and advised me to expose them to the air, leave them natural and grow them out,” Joanne added to the Daily Mail Online.
It was difficult for her to do so though, given that the green tinge can’t be buffed off and was causing Joanne significant pain.
“They got worse before they got better, and they were sore,” she sighed, admitting the skin on her fingers had been left “blistered and peeled”.
It took several months for things to get better, and Joanne is only just getting to the end of the growing out process.
As for whether she’ll ever get gels or builder gel in the future, she vowed “never again!”
It seems that Joanne had been suffering from onycholysis, where the nail separates from the nail bed, and leads to bacteria getting in between the lifted nail and the skin.
What age can you take kid to get their nails done?
MUMS have sparked controversy after allowing their kids to get acrylic nails. But just how old do they have to be to be allowed to get them done legally.
According to the National Occupational Standards, anyone under the age of 16 has to be accompanied by an adult.
They also need written consent from a parents or guardian.
It’s also a good idea to check that the salon you’re planning to go to – just to ask if they offer services to children.
This then leads to a bacteria called Pseudomonas – known as the “greenies” by those in the nail industry.
It’s important to leave everything off your nails to allow the air to get to them and start the healing process.
If things get really painful, you can visit a pharmacist who can advise you, and may recommend using an anti-fungal nail treatment.
Some people also suggest soaking the nails in vinegar to help kill the bacteria, but this isn’t advised if your nails are broken or peeling, as it may temporarily increase your discomfort.
The most vital thing is to wait until the nails are completely back to normal before putting anything – like nail varnish or gel – on them.
Joanne had the “greenies” as it’s referred to in the nail industry, and the main treatment for it is to let the green grow outCredit: supplied
It has taken two months, and Joanne is only just nearing the end of the processCredit: supplied
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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