Artificial Nails and Nail Polish

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Patients often question why they need to have their artificial nails and nail polish removed before surgery. One is simply for monitoring purposes during the surgery because there is equipment that requires the ability to see the nail bed ensuring adequate oxygenation during surgery and it is critically important as the pulse oximeter measures the oxygen level in the blood with a light-based probe that is placed on the finger. If nail polish is in the way, it often results in incorrect reading.

After surgery, the issues with nail polish and artificial nails are also important. The CDC and WHO have guidelines that health care workers must follow in order to prevent infections in postoperative patients, so it would make sense for patients and caregivers at home should follow some of these same guidelines.

Interestingly, several studies have shown that artificial nails/gel nails harbor bacteria and fungus that is not appropriately removed by standard hand washing techniques. For that reason, OR staff are not allowed to have artificial nails.

We have recommendations regarding how to approach and accomplish appropriate hand hygiene at home: Wash hand s before and after providing patient care – wash your hands with clean running water and apply soap (use warm water if available) – rub hands together to make a lather, scrub all surfaces making sure to clean between fingers, under nails and even the top of the hands and wrists. Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Rinse hands well under running water. Dry hands using a paper towel or hand dryer. If possible, use the paper towel to turn off the faucet (do not use cloth towels as these can harbor bacteria). If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer to clean hands. Apply product to the palm of one hand. Rub hands together and clean between fingers and tops of hands and wrists. Allow product to dry. Wear gloves when appropriate. Do not wear artificial nails or nail polish as these can harbor bacteria and fungus that are not always removed by hand washing. Maintain fingernail length to ¼ inch or less.

Just a few simple rules to follow can significantly reduce the risk of post surgical infections, the possibility of having a longer recovery period or even more surgery.