PBC and nails / gel polish / acrylic

[Deemum]

hi everyone, just a quick question.. I wondered has anyone had any issues with having their nails done with gel polish. I had to switch from gel polish to acrylic as my nails kept having a reaction to the gel - and often developed a fungal infection. Once I switched to acrylic they were much better, but the acrylic doesn’t stay on the nails for longer than a few days. Just wondered if anyone has had anything similar with their nails and if it was possibly something to do with PBC . Thanks

[IAmTheGlue]

I’m sorry you are going through this. I used to always wear artificial nails, but I will also develop a fungal infection. My nails will get brown spots on them so I stopped wearing them years ago.

I am going on 7 years diagnosed and I’m in compensated cirrhosis.

[Sandie17 in reply to IAmTheGlue]

If you are concerned about acrylic, with having cirrhosis, look at those new peel and stick nails. They are great and stay on very well. I’m in stage two so what’s safe for me is different than for you.

[Deemum in reply to IAmTheGlue]

That’s how my nails appeared too - with brown spots.

I’m new to this - sorry - maybe a stupid question but what does the term compensated cirrhosis mean? That you are managing to control your PBC with medication?

[IAmTheGlue in reply to Deemum]

Compensated cirrhosis means your liver is cirrhotic/ basically damaged beyond regeneration, but your body is holding it own taking over for your liver where it can.

A “decompensating event” will move you to decompensated cirrhosis and ideally a transplant. You can be in cirrhosis for many years. I am progressing despite the medications. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I get monthly bloodwork and MRCP at the Mayo Clinic every six months. I’m in good hands and hopeful.

I’m careful with what I eat/drink/rest/exercise. I get sick easier and for longer than I did even a year ago but I am grateful to be here. I take Urso and my insurance is no longer covering me for the Ocaliva so I need to see if my dr will allow me to buy it from overseas when my supply runs out.

I am okay. I am tired, but I do not work, so I am able to rest as needed.

[exy21]

Nope no issues.

[Deemum in reply to exy21]

Glad you had no issues

[Sandie17]

I use get with no problems. It’s safer than acrylic, bit as harsh. If you were having problems with fungus, you need to find another salon. Fungus is from nail not being properly cleaned and unsanitary conditions.

My hepatoligist says gel nails, hair color, or Botox are safe for me to use. He preferred gel over acrylic.

[Deemum in reply to Sandie17]

Interesting re acrylic …. It did appear like fungal infection with brown marks down the nail bed