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Trendy long fingernails popularized by celebrities like Cardi B and Billy Eilish could harbor dozens of species of bacteria and fungi, a biologist warns.
Dr. Jeffrey Kaplan, a biologist at American University in Washington DC, says they provide plenty of space for “microorganisms to attach”.
Everyone has bacteria and fungi on their nails, which they pick up every day by touching objects such as ticket and card machines. They are almost always harmless, but when infections occur they can cause swelling, pain, and thickening of the nail.
Studies have shown that antibiotic-resistant Steph aureus—a common cause of skin infections—lies under longer nails.
Cardi B (left) is a fan of long nails. She is pictured above last week in the Bronx, New York. Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish was also a fan of long nails, shown above with them at the 40th Brit Awards in February 2020
“Studies have found 32 different bacteria and 28 different fungi under fingernails,” Kaplan said USA today.
Kaplan said long artificial, natural, gel and acrylic nails all pose a risk of harboring additional bacteria and fungi.
“There’s always bacteria under your fingernail that you can’t get rid of,” he warned.
“You can transfer fingernail bacteria into your system by scratching, biting nails, picking your nose, and sucking your fingers.”
The accumulation can trigger an infection, which in severe cases can lead to disfigurement of the nails.
Kayla Newman, a nail technician in South Carolina, disagreed with the professor that people with long nails were less likely to carry germs.
"In general, people with long nails know how to manage them and keep them clean," Newman said.
"If you spend over $60 to get your nails done and you don't keep them clean, there's no point."
It wasn't clear how many types of bacteria and fungi Americans have under their nails on average.
But a 2020 study found that more than a hundred species of fungi live on people's feet, including under their nails.
Just this week, Cardi B posted a photo of herself in the Bronx, New York, with long light blue nails.
When she got her nails cut shorter in 2020, she wrote online: "Short, until my nails get some strength. I hate short nails but @nailson7th said this will do."
Billie Eilish has also been regularly pictured with long nails, captioning a picture of them in 2019: "Okay, it's REALLY enough with the nails."
The CDC recommends keeping nails short to prevent them from harboring dirt and germs that could “contribute to the spread of infection.”
They add that all nail care tools should be sterilized before and after use.