What many dismiss as a mere cosmetic mishap can swiftly escalate into a medical emergency, as former model Abbey Clancy discovered. The 40-year-old was rushed to hospital and put on a painkiller drip after an acrylic nail snapped off, exposing the hidden dangers lurking behind a perfect manicure.
From Beauty Blunder to Medical Emergency
Speaking on her podcast, The Therapy Crouch, Abbey Clancy recounted the moment her acrylic nail bent backwards and snapped off entirely after she hugged a friend. The injury caused significant bleeding and searing nerve pain that radiated up her arm to her shoulder and neck, leaving her in tears all night.
"I had a serious injury," Abbey stated. "I ended up in hospital. I broke my nail. It sounds insane and I was so embarrassed." Her ordeal involved a lengthy wait for a doctor who ultimately administered a drip for pain relief, highlighting the severity of the trauma.
Esteemed 'nail guru' and polish brand founder Leighton Denny MBE stresses that deep splits into the nail bed create an open wound. "That leaves you vulnerable to infection, inflammation and in some cases severe pain or swelling that may require medical attention," he told the Daily Mail.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Experts are united in their warning: a broken nail is not just a beauty issue. Key signs that indicate a need for professional help include redness, swelling, throbbing pain, or the presence of pus. "Infections in the fingers can spread quickly, and what starts as a 'minor break' can escalate into something far more serious," Leighton Denny warned.
Aesthetician Shantelle Clarke of the Diamond Skin Clinic in Knightsbridge explained that such injuries create an opening for bacteria, potentially leading to paronychia, a painful skin infection around the nail. Attempting to glue or cover a severe break without proper cleaning can trap bacteria and worsen the situation.
Consultant Dermatologist Dr Kristina Semkova described Abbey's case as a "traumatic nail avulsion," a medical emergency. "The exposed nail bed creates a direct entry point for bacteria... Prompt medical assessment is essential to control bleeding, manage pain, reduce infection risk and ensure the nail regrows correctly," she advised.
The Broader Risks of Your Manicure
Beyond acute injuries, regular manicure treatments carry other significant health concerns that consumers should be aware of.
Brittle Nails and Hidden Bacteria: Both Shantelle Clarke and Leighton Denny caution that gel polishes can weaken natural nails over time, making them brittle and prone to splitting. Incorrect removal can cause microscopic tears, opening the door to fungal infections. Discolouration or thickening should never be covered up with more polish.
Premature Ageing and Skin Cancer Concerns: Regular exposure to UV lamps used to cure gel polish can cause premature ageing of the skin on the hands. More alarmingly, a 2023 study in Nature Communications found radiation from these lamps caused cancer-causing mutations in human cells in lab tests, though it did not provide direct evidence of increased cancer risk in humans. Industry experts, like chemist Doug Schoon, argue the study used excessive exposure times not reflective of real-world use.
Fertility and Severe Allergic Reactions: A key gel polish ingredient, trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), was banned in the European Union in September over reproductive health concerns, though it remains in use in the UK. Separately, chemicals called methacrylates in gel varnishes can trigger severe allergic reactions, causing painful peeling, blisters, and swelling. These reactions can have "serious consequences for future medical care," warns consultant dermatologist Dr Deirdre Buckley, as the chemicals are also used in some medical procedures.
Risks for Technicians: The dangers are even greater for salon staff. A 2019 study found nail technicians are exposed to high levels of airborne chemicals linked to cancers, with long-term exposure potentially raising their risk significantly.
The consensus from professionals is clear: listen to your body. "Pain, heat, swelling and colour change are never normal. Nails should be treated as part of your overall health - not just an accessory," concludes Leighton Denny. The pursuit of beauty should not come at the cost of well-being.
