Many people suffer from the pain and discomfort of acrylic nails. Acrylic nails are typically professionally applied with a liquid formaldehyde product that is hardened with an ultraviolet light source. If you have ever had these done, you know how uncomfortable they can be.
The process may last for up to two hours and has many health risks associated with it including: allergic reactions, dryness in the nail bed, and even permanent nerve damage. This blog post will discuss causes of why Acrylic Nails Hurt At Night as well as causes and prevention strategies!
Acrylic Nails are made of:
Acrylic nails are artificial fingernails created from a polymer powder and a liquid monomer. The mixture of these two components cures under ultraviolet light, forming a hard solid that resembles natural fingernails. These substances often cause pain and discomfort to many people.
How Does It Work?
The liquid monomer typically contains the chemical methyl methacrylate, which is why some people are allergic to this type of nail product. During application, acrylic powder and liquid monomer are brushed onto each natural fingernail until they have achieved the desired shape before being cured under ultraviolet light for roughly two minutes.
When the nail technician applies an acrylic to the client’s nail, it often goes where it is not supposed to go. The acrylic may run over the cuticle and onto the skin surrounding the nail.
When this occurs, there is a burning sensation around that area of the client’s nail and fingertip. Furthermore, clients experience pain when their new artificial nail overlaps with their own natural nails.
Why Do Acrylic Nails Hurt At Night?
Acrylic nails can be very uncomfortable for many people, as they often cause pain and itching. This is because the acrylic material is not biodegradable and will remain on your nails until you remove it. The acrylic can also trap moisture and bacteria, which can lead to fungal infections or other skin problems.
Different of causes, including:
The natural nail surface is overly filled:
- One of the most common reasons is that they are not fitted properly. If they are too long or too wide, they can put pressure on the nail bed and cause discomfort. Additionally, if the acrylic overlaps the natural nail, it can trap moisture and bacteria which can lead to unhealthy nail growth.
- If the nail technician applies too much acrylic product to your nails, it will be uncomfortable when you go home. They might become painful after an application of artificial nails because there are no thick layers of keratin protecting the delicate skin surrounding the nail bed.
- If the nail technician does not properly shape your nails, you may experience some discomfort when wearing artificial nails. This can also occur if there are air bubbles or other irregularities within the product that has been brushed onto each natural fingernail.
- Your body’s immune system tries to reject/fight off a foreign invader
- When you get acrylic nails applied, a foreign invader is introduced into your system. As a result, your body’s immune system may try to fight it off which can cause pain and discomfort.
- The skin around the natural nail is excessively dry: If there is too much rubbing or friction against the skin surrounding the nail bed, the skin can become dry and develop a painful, itchy rash.
The product itself is made of acrylic and
- The acrylic material is not biodegradable and will remain on your nails until you remove it.
- If you are getting gel polish done on top of your acrylate product, this will only make the pain worse because both products are made with methyl methacrylate monomer which can irritate skin.
- The acrylic can also trap moisture and bacteria, which can lead to fungal infections or other skin problems.
- Make sure your technician uses a monomer that does not contain methyl methacrylate, as this is the chemical most likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Nails that have been damaged naturally
- If your nails are damaged, the acrylic can catch on them and cause pain. This is because the artificial nails will not bend or flex like your natural nails do, so they can easily tear if they come into contact with something sharp.
- Avoid getting acrylics if you have naturally weak and brittle nails, as this will only make them deteriorate further.
Nails that are too thin or too short
- The natural nail plate is excessively thin: If you have weak or thin fingernails that break easily, they may be more susceptible to pain after an application of artificial nails because there are no thick layers protecting them from being exposed.
Other causes:
- You might have a cut on the skin surrounding your nail. This can be caused by the acrylic nails themselves, or perhaps you scraped it against something while sleeping.
- If you are using a harsh or abrasive nail polish remover, it can cause your nails to become dry and brittle. This makes them more susceptible to damage and increases the likelihood of pain when wearing acrylic nails.
There are a few things you can do to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with acrylic nails at night:
- Put cotton under your nails before you go to bed.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes or clothing that rubs against your nails.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or cream around your nails before bed.
- If you have to wear nail polish, choose a formula that is labeled as “non-toxic” or “5 free.” These polishes are typically made without harsh chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP that can cause irritation.
- If you’re experiencing pain and swelling, try elevating your hands above your head while you sleep. This will help reduce the amount of pressure on your nails.
- There are a few things that you can do to help deal with the pain once it’s happened, but none of them will prevent it from happening again. One thing is putting ice on your nails for about 5 minutes right after getting them done. This will help reduce the swelling. Another is to take ibuprofen if you’re in pain. Finally, you can try wearing gloves at night. This will help keep the nails from rubbing against your sheets and causing more pain.
- If you’re still experiencing pain even after trying these tips, it’s best to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. In many cases, these symptoms are due to an underlying health condition such as allergies, arthritis or diabetes.
How to Prevent It?
- cut the weight bearing portion of the nail back just a little with an Emory board or nail file, which will relieve pressure on the skin
- You should keep this in mind when moisturizing your hands and nails daily; make sure that you are moisturizing all of your cuticles (not just the ones on top) as well as the skin surrounding your nails.
- Avoid having your nails polished on a weekly basis.
- Keep your nails short, as this will allow the acrylic to breathe and prevent moisture from building up underneath them. The best way to avoid pain is by not getting artificial fingernails in the first place!
- Make sure you are using a non-acetone product when removing your acrylic nails.
- Check to see whether your technician uses a monomer that does not include methyl methacrylate because this is the most probable allergen.
- Make sure the product is applied properly: One of the most common reasons why people experience pain when wearing acrylic nails is because the product has been applied too heavily. When the nail technician applies an acrylic to your nails, it should be similar in thickness and shape to a natural fingernail. If they apply too much product, the artificial nail can become very uncomfortable when you go home.
How does it feel to have acrylic nails?
If you have never tried having acrylic nails before, here’s what you can expect from wearing them each day:
- It will be a little uncomfortable when wearing acrylic nails for the first time. Just keep in mind that it will get better after several days so just hold on tight and try to bear with it.
- Most of the time, your fingers might experience some swelling especially if you’re allergic to nail glue or primer used during application. If this happens, remove the acrylic nails and consult a professional.
- The skin around your nails might be red and swollen as mentioned earlier which is a sign of an allergic reaction. If this persists, remove the acrylic nails and consult a professional.
- Acrylic nails can trap dirt and oil under the nails so make sure to clean them often.
- Acrylic nails are very heavy so your natural nails might feel tired and sore after wearing them for a long time. Let your nails rest by taking off the acrylic nails and giving them some breathing time.
Why do acrylic nails hurt or become uncomfortable on the first day?
Acrylic nails are applied like a false nail, using an adhesive to adhere it to the natural nail. It is not uncommon for acrylic nails to cause discomfort or pain the first day they are applied. This is usually due to the adhesive and the pressure it puts on the natural nail.
How long will your nails feel uncomfortable after getting acrylics?
Some people experience slight discomfort or a dull ache for a day or so after their nails are done, while others may find that their nails continue to hurt long after they’ve had the treatment. In some extreme cases, the pain can last for weeks.
It all comes down to the chemicals involved in the application. The liquid monomer that is used to help set the acrylic powder is extremely strong and when it reacts with your natural nail or skin, you can feel a burning sensation much like when you put your hands into very hot water.
Pros of having an Acrylic Nails
You will surely like them to last long. However, As much as we love having pretty nails, one thing that you should take into consideration is the pain and soreness you feel when sleeping at night if it’s your first time wearing acrylics.
Hard to break- Acrylic nails are really strong and they don’t crack or break easily. In fact, an acrylic nail is able to survive for a long time even with constant pressure from your hands squeezing it tightly. However, this can cause serious damage if you apply too much force on them by accident.
Many designs to choose from Acrylic nails are offered in many different colors, sizes, and shapes which can be customized according to your preference by the salon professional or even at home using various products available offline or online. It’s important that you maintain them clean and fill them if needed to keep it looking nice.
Able to last long- Acrylic nails are very durable and can last for weeks. When done correctly, an acrylic nail can withstand daily wear and tear which would eventually break natural nails after several days. Having acrylic nails is really helpful especially if you’re always on the go
Cons of having Acrylic Nails
The most common problem that you might encounter if you’re not used to having acrylic nails is the pain you feel when sleeping at night.
Your hand feels like it’s on fire when sleeping, your fingers are slightly bent which can cause the acrylic nails to bend as well and apply pressure on your skin surrounding it which results in pain and irritation. If your acrylic nails are too long, this problem will be worse.
The skin around your nails is red and swollen This is a sign that you’re having an allergic reaction to the acrylic nail glue or the primer used. If this happens, remove the acrylic nails immediately and consult a professional.
Oil build-up under the nails- When wearing acrylics for a long time, it can trap dirt and oil inside the nails which causes redness around your nails. It’s best to wear gloves if you have to wash or clean with chemicals.
Sore skin- Acrylic nails are very heavy for your natural nails making it painful when wearing them throughout the day especially when typing on a computer keyboard for hours. The best way to avoid this is to let your nails rest from time to time by taking off the acrylic nails and letting them breathe.
How to take care of your Acrylic Nails:
You can also use Vaseline as a top coat to keep your nails smooth and hydrated.
Avoid using your nails as tools. This includes opening things with your nails, scratching yourself, etc.
Make sure you keep your nails trimmed and filed. Trim them to the shape you want, then file them in that shape. This will help keep them looking neat and tidy.
If you get a hangnail, clip it off as close to the skin as possible using cuticle clippers. Do not tear it off or rip it off, as this will only make the hangnail worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main causes of nail problems?
A: Nail disease can be caused by a number of factors, including viruses, fungi and bacteria. These organisms usually enter the body through small cuts in your skin or via an injury to your nails. There is also one common cause that affects most people at some point in their lives: dermatitis, which is a skin condition that can cause the skin around your nails to become dry, cracked and inflamed.
Q: What are some tips for preventing dryness around my nails?
A: Remember to keep your hands and nails moisturized on a daily basis.
Q: What are some reasons that I might get dry skin around my fingernails?
A: There are many reasons why someone might get dry, cracked skin around their nails. One of the most common reasons is because they have a sensitivity to nail polish or fake fingernails, which causes them to become inflamed and irritated.
Q: How can I properly take care of my nails?
A: It is important to remember that it takes time and effort to properly take care of your nails. You will need to keep them moisturized, trimmed and clean if you want beautiful, healthy looking fingernails!
Bottom Line
Acrylic nails can be great for people who want beautiful nails that are easy to maintain with regular fills. But if they hurt at night, you may want to consider a change. Try going to your favorite nail place and getting their thoughts on the issue. Maybe they have some tips for stretching out your nails between fills or using acrylics in a way that doesn’t cause pain at night. You can also speak with a dermatologist about other options, such as wraps or gel nails. Whichever route you choose, make sure to take your time in finding the best solution for you. Your hands and nails will thank you!
Or the best way to avoid pain is by not getting artificial fingernails in the first place! But if you still want long, beautiful looking nails consider gel manicures instead of traditional acrylate nails. Gel manicures use a UV light to cure the polish, however it is not as harsh on your nails and is less likely to cause pain or discomfort.
For more information on how to prevent acrylic nail pain, please consult with a licensed esthetician or dermatologist!
