Marburg, Germany  - Artificial fingernails increase the risk of a fungal infection, according to a German health organization based in Marburg.

The fingernail is especially vulnerable to infection and other changes when the artificial nail is removed. This also raises the risk of the infection spreading. Therefore, people who work in kitchens and who provide nursing care in particular should not have artificial fingernails, said Germany's Green Cross.

Artificial nails have yet another disadvantage. A health care specialist can detect deficiencies and metabolic problems by looking at a person's natural fingernails, the organization said. If the natural fingernails are covered with an artificial layer, an illness could go undetected for a long period of time, allowing it to worsen.

Women who want artificial nails despite the risks should make sure that any potential studio, where she has her nails done, is spotlessly clean. (dpa)