Liam Carter
Our hands are one of the most common ways we spread bacteria, and the space under our fingernails is a perfect environment for bacteria to grow and spread. This is because the area is protected by the nail and tends to be moist. Washing your hands is the first defence against bacteria, but it is important to also wash under your fingernails, keeping them short and clean, to prevent the spread of bacteria and nail infections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of nail infection | Bacteria gets under the skin around the nail through cuts in the cuticle and nail fold |
| Treatment | Antibiotics |
| Prevention | Wash hands and under fingernails, keep nails short and clean, avoid biting nails |
| Bacteria found under nails | Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Enterococcus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus species, Citrobacter species, Serratia species |
| Bacteria count | Average of 50,430 per nail |
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What You'll Learn
Nail infections (paronychia)
Nail infections, or paronychia, occur when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing an infection. The cuticle is the skin at the base of the nail, and the nail fold is where the skin and nail meet. Paronychia usually results from bacterial infections, although fungal infections are also possible.
Paronychia is a common nail condition that can affect anyone. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing this type of nail infection. For example, those who work with water, such as bartenders and dishwashers, have a higher risk of developing paronychia. Additionally, people with underlying skin conditions or diabetes may be more prone to nail infections.
The symptoms of paronychia typically develop over several hours or days but sometimes take longer to appear. The most common symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail, with the skin appearing red and feeling warm to the touch. Pus may also build up under the skin, leading to a white to yellow, pus-filled abscess. If left untreated, the nail can become deformed, discoloured, dry, and brittle.
Paronychia is usually treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. In some cases, pus may need to be drained if it does not drain on its own. Mild cases of paronychia can be treated at home by soaking the infected area in warm water several times a day, helping to promote drainage of pus and support the healing process. It is important to keep the area clean and dry after soaking. If symptoms persist beyond a day or two of home remedies, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
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Artificial nails and handwashing
The space under fingernails is a perfect environment for bacterial growth, and artificial nails have been linked to increased bacterial presence and the spread of infections. The longer the nail, the more likely it is that bacteria will reside under it. Artificial nails are longer than natural nails and are almost always covered in nail polish.
A study found that nurses with artificial nails had more bacteria on their fingertips than those with natural nails, both before and after handwashing. This indicates that artificial nails may not be effectively cleaned through regular handwashing. The assumption is that more bacteria increases the potential for pathogen transmission, even if it does not necessarily mean that more bacteria will be transferred.
Artificial nails can also contribute to the proliferation of transient organisms, as microbes are drawn to the moist, dark areas under nails. This can lead to the spread of infections, with health care personnel who wear artificial nails being more likely to harbor gram-negative pathogens on their fingertips.
To ensure proper hand cleanliness, it is recommended to keep nails short and clean. When washing hands, it is important to clean under the nails using a nail brush or a clean orangewood stick. This helps to remove debris and prevent the accumulation of bacteria. Additionally, it is advised to use warm water instead of hot water, as hot water can open pores and remove skin oils.
In healthcare settings, the Association of Operating Room Nurses has stated that artificial nails should not be worn in the perioperative setting. This is due to the risk of bacterial colonization and the potential for infection outbreaks. Overall, maintaining proper hand and nail hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure the safety of individuals, especially in healthcare environments.
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Nail polish and bacterial harbouring
The space under fingernails is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to nail infections. These infections, known as paronychia, occur when bacteria enter the skin through cuts in the cuticle and nail fold. While most bacterial nail infections can be treated with antibiotics, it is essential to maintain proper nail hygiene to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
Nail polish, particularly on artificial nails, has been a topic of concern in the discussion of bacterial harbouring. Studies have shown that artificial nails tend to harbour more bacteria than natural nails, and the presence of nail polish can further influence the bacterial burden. Nurses with artificial nails, for example, were found to have a higher bacterial count on their fingertips than those with natural nails, even after handwashing.
The fear with nail polish is that tiny chips or cracks in the paint can create crevices for bacterial invasion. This was supported by a study that analysed the bacterial burden of gel nails, standard nail polish, and natural nails. The study found that while gel nail polish did not negatively impact the nail bacterial burden, standard nail polish showed a higher bacterial burden over time.
However, it is important to note that the impact of nail polish on bacterial burden may depend on various factors, including the type of nail polish, nail length, and hand hygiene practices. Some studies suggest that gel nail polish, which forms a durable coating, may not contribute to an increased bacterial burden. Additionally, maintaining short and clean nails is recommended to reduce the likelihood of ineffective hand hygiene.
Overall, while nail polish may not be the sole determinant of bacterial harbouring, it is crucial to practice proper nail hygiene and be mindful of the potential risks associated with certain types of nail polish and artificial nails, especially in healthcare settings.
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Food handlers and bacteria transmission
Food handlers, including those working in restaurants, cafeterias, and catering companies, can play a significant role in the transmission of bacteria to consumers through food. Foodborne illnesses are often caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances that contaminate food. These contaminants can originate from the food handlers themselves, the environment, the source of the food, or the food items.
One of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses is Salmonella infection, which can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, chills, and diarrhea. Salmonella can be transmitted when food handlers with poor hygiene habits contaminate food during preparation or when food is contaminated during harvesting or processing. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is another foodborne illness that can be transmitted by food handlers. HAV can survive on surfaces and hands for up to 7 hours and is easily transferred between hands and surfaces.
To prevent the spread of bacteria, it is crucial for food handlers to practice proper handwashing techniques and ensure that their fingernails are clean. Nails, especially artificial nails, can harbor high levels of bacteria, and inadequate handwashing may not effectively remove these pathogens. Additionally, food handlers should follow food safety guidelines, such as the WHO's Five Keys to Safer Food, which include cleaning, separating, cooking, and chilling food properly.
By understanding the risks associated with bacterial transmission and adhering to strict hygiene and food safety practices, food handlers can play a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of foodborne illnesses and protecting public health. Local governments and food producers should also collaborate to prioritize food safety, develop evidence-based policies, and implement effective food safety systems to ensure that food reaches consumers without causing harm.
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Bacteria and vomiting/diarrhoea
The space under your fingernails can harbour a lot of bacteria. This is because the space between the skin and nail provides a perfect environment for bacterial growth, thanks to the physical protection of the nail and the moisture present. Therefore, it is important to wash your hands and ensure that your fingernails are clean as well.
Bacterial infections under the nails are called paronychia. They happen when bacteria get under the skin around the nail, usually through cuts in the cuticle or nail fold. Paronychia usually clears up with antibiotics, which kill the bacteria causing the infection. However, in rare cases, untreated paronychia can lead to serious infections that spread deeper into the finger or toe and may even involve the underlying bone.
Bacterial gastroenteritis is a digestive problem caused by bacterial infections in the stomach or intestines. It can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, along with symptoms like nausea, fever, abdominal cramping, and pain. This condition is a major health risk as it can lead to severe dehydration, neurological problems, kidney failure, and even death if left untreated. Good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and avoiding undercooked food, are crucial for preventing bacterial gastroenteritis.
While less common than viral gastroenteritis, bacterial gastroenteritis poses a significant health risk. High fever and bloody diarrhoea are more frequently associated with bacterial gastroenteritis than with viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics are not commonly prescribed for bacterial gastroenteritis, but they may be necessary in severe cases or for individuals with weakened immune systems.
In summary, while bacteria under the nails can usually be addressed through proper handwashing and antibiotic treatment, bacterial gastroenteritis is a more severe condition that requires prompt medical attention and good hygiene practices to prevent dehydration and other serious complications.
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Frequently asked questions
A nail infection, or paronychia, happens when bacteria get under the skin around the nail.
Bacteria enter the skin through cuts in the cuticle and the nail fold (the skin around the nail).
Most bacterial nail infections go away with antibiotics. Antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause the infection.
If left untreated, paronychia can cause damage to the nail and, in rare cases, can lead to a serious infection that affects the underlying bone.
Maintaining good nail hygiene helps prevent nail infections. This includes regularly cleaning and trimming your nails, avoiding biting or chewing your nails, and ensuring your nails are clean after washing your hands.
