A New York hospital has banned the use of artificial nails and nail enhancements by healthcare workers who have direct contact with patients, citing the increased risk of transmitting disease-causing microbes to patients.

Previous studies have shown that healthcare workers with long fingernails may be more likely than those with shorter nails to harbor bacteria that can lead to patient infections, and that these bacteria are not easily eliminated by hand-washing.

According to the new rules at New York Presbyterian Hospital, hospital staffers must keep fingernails manicured, and no longer than 1/8-inch past the finger tip. Healthcare workers with patient contact are also no longer allowed to apply artificial enhancements to their nails, such as tips, wraps, appliques, or anything other than polish.

Artificial nail products can damage natural nails and increase the risk of fungal and bacterial infections.

In addition, healthcare workers cannot sport nail polish that is chipped, which can also increase the risk of transmitting infections to patients.

In an accompanying fact sheet that was distributed with paychecks, healthcare workers were provided with further information about infection risks with artificial nails. They were told that chipped nail polish can harbor more bacteria than unchipped polish, and that gloves can develop germ-spreading holes, and therefore do not offer complete protection from artificial nails.

American Journal of Infection Control June 2002;30:252-254

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Though important, this is not new knowledge. I posted this information nearly three years ago when similar findings were presented at the 39th Interscience Conference of Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Personal hygiene is an important part of staying healthy. It will decrease the risk of infecting others, and improve your health. More worthwhile information on this, described by Dr. Ken Seaton, can be found in an earlier article I posted. Dr. Keaton believes that washing your hands and nails thoroughly with a special soap that penetrates the fingernails will increase your albumin levels and improve your health. If you are interested in Dr. Keaton's special soap, you can email Sherri at his office. Mention that you saw this recommendation on my site and receive a free book, "Life Health and Longevity" by Dr. Seaton, when you buy their advanced hygiene kit. Interestingly, Dr. Seaton told me that women with long or artificial fingernails also suffer from some partial brain atrophy, as there are an extensive amount of receptors on the fingertips that, being blocked by the long nails, are not stimulated as they should be. Related Articles: Nurses' Artificial Nails Pose Infection Hazard Hygiene Systems to Improve Health