Do artificial nails cause fungus?

Artificial nails may increase the risk of fungal nail infection. However, if artificial nails are fitted properly, using sanitary tools and procedures, there is typically no problem with infection.

Bacterial and fungal infection can occur for a number of reasons, including bumping or knocking the nail, insufficient cleaning prior to gluing, failing to fill in space between the natural and artificial nail, and unsanitary nail implements. Rough treatment of the cuticle (causing it to separate from the nail bed) may also increase infection risk. Decreasing long-term use of artificial nails, cleaning nail implements frequently, and washing hands regularly and thoroughly may protect against infection.