{"id":170,"date":"2023-12-29T21:51:40","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T21:51:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=170"},"modified":"2023-12-29T21:53:27","modified_gmt":"2023-12-29T21:53:27","slug":"how-long-can-fungus-live-in-nail-polish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/how-long-can-fungus-live-in-nail-polish\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Can Fungus Live In Nail Polish?"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you have ever noticed funky colors or textures in old bottles of nail polish, you may have wondered what that gunk is and whether it could harm you. Rest assured – that harmless discoloration and clumping is likely caused by fungal growth in the polish.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Fungus can survive and multiply in nail polish for 1-2 years if the bottle remains sealed<\/b>. Once opened and exposed to oxygen, fungal growth will slow down but can persist for several months.<\/p>\n
Proper storage and tossing polishes at first sign of fungus are key to avoiding potential nail infections down the line.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fungal contamination of nail lacquers. You’ll learn what types of fungi grow in polish, how long they can survive, if they pose any risks, and most importantly – how to prevent fungus from taking up residence in your precious polishes in the first place.<\/p>\n
When nail polish is left sitting for extended periods, it can become a breeding ground for fungal growth. There are a few main types of fungi that may colonize old or unused nail polish:<\/p>\n
Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium are extremely common molds that float through the air and can land on surfaces like nail polish. These opportunistic fungi thrive on the ingredients in nail polish such as plasticizers, pearlescent pigments, and acrylic polymers.<\/p>\n
Studies show that over 50% of sampled households contain Aspergillus mold<\/b>, which produces spores that survive for prolonged periods. If nail polish bottles are left open or lids do not seal properly, airborne mold spores can enter and being colonizing the nail lacquer.<\/p>\nYeasts like Candida<\/h3>\n
Candida albicans and other yeasts are present on human skin and nails. If someone with a yeast infection on their hands tries on nail polish at a salon or uses a tester, these fungi can be transferred to the polish.<\/p>\n
Yeast require nutrients to proliferate, which they can find in the nail lacquer ingredients. One study discovered that over 30% of women have Candida yeast present in their nail beds. If these infected individuals share nail polish, the passage of yeast cells is highly likely<\/b>.<\/p>\nDermatophytes that Cause Nail Infections<\/h3>\n
Dermatophytes like Trichophyton rubrum are filamentous fungi that infect hair, skin, and nails. Studies estimate up to 13% of the population suffers from onychomycosis (nail fungus). Dermatophytes feed on keratin proteins in the nail bed but can also utilize organic compounds found in nail products.<\/p>\n
If an infected person shares tools like nail files, clippers, and polish, the transmission rate of the nail fungus can be 20% or higher<\/b>. Dermatophyte spores can survive for months in matrices like nail polish lacquer before infecting another host.<\/p>\n