When toenails are damaged by fungus, injury, or other nail problems, it is natural to look for a way to make them look and feel normal again. Many people think of salon-style acrylic nails first, since they are familiar and easy to find. But the toes move differently than the fingers, and the products used on them matter. If you are weighing your options, here is a clear look at how KeryFlex nail restoration differs from acrylic, and why flexibility is such an important part of the conversation. 

Why People Cover Damaged Toenails 

Toenails can become discolored, thickened, split, ridged, or misshapen from fungal infection, injury or repeated trauma, and nail defects. Feeling self-conscious about them is completely understandable, and wanting a natural-looking nail is a reasonable goal. The important question is how that nail is created, and what it does to the nail underneath. 

The Problem with Acrylic on the Toes 

According to the manufacturer, acrylic nails are rigid and do not bend with the natural movement of the toes, which can cause micro-trauma to the nail bed when they are applied to the toenails. The same source notes that acrylic nails are applied using strong acids that irritate the nail bed and damage the existing nail. With every step, the toes flex, the foot meets the shoe, and a rigid nail has nowhere to give. 

How KeryFlex Is Different 

KeryFlex is a painless, in-office application that restores the appearance of the natural nail, in which a certified foot care provider remodels a nail affected by fungus, defects, or trauma. According to the manufacturer’s FAQ, the key differences are: 

• Flexibility: KeryFlex is flexible yet durable and designed specifically for the toes. 

• No harsh acids or glues: It is free of the harsh acids and glues used in salon systems. 

• Sealed and non-porous: Once sealed, the nail does not allow moisture to permeate between the natural and created nail layers. 

• Materials: It is derived from a medical-grade dental resin and is biocompatible with human tissue, and it is impregnated with the antifungal ingredient piroctone and the antimicrobial colloidal silver. 

• Growth: The resin creates a nail that allows the remaining natural nail to grow.  

An Important Clarification 

Even with those ingredients, KeryFlex is not a cure for fungal nails. The manufacturer states plainly that it is an aesthetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of toenails damaged by fungus and other nail disorders (FAQ). If a fungal infection is present, it still needs to be evaluated and addressed separately. The manufacturer notes that a topical antifungal may be applied around the cuticle area, and that a KeryFlex nail may be applied immediately after laser therapy but should not be lasered through. 

Who May Not Be a Good Candidate 

KeryFlex is not for everyone. According to the manufacturer, it should not be used on individuals with peripheral vascular disease, arterial insufficiency, peripheral neuropathy, suspicious pigmented lesions on the nail, or ingrown toenails, and it should be avoided in patients who are pregnant, nursing, or known to be sensitive or allergic to any of its ingredients (FAQ). In rare cases, allergies have been reported. Because KeryFlex does not bind to skin, at least 15 percent of the natural nail is recommended. A careful evaluation is the best way to find out whether it is a good fit for you. 

Caring for a KeryFlex Nail 

• File the free edge with a nail file or emery board, but do not cut or clip the nail 

• Regular nail polish may be applied, but light-cured gel polishes and other products that require a UV or LED light are not recommended 

• Choose comfortable, well-fitting shoes, since friction can cause chipping or cracking 

• Expect reapplication, which in general is every six to eight weeks, or every three to four weeks for a smaller natural nail segment 

• If you are physically active, keep the nail short, since repeated trauma can reduce the lifespan of the nail 

Get Back to the Life You Love 

You should be able to feel good about your feet, and the right choice starts with an honest evaluation of what is going on with your nails. Fall Creek Foot & Ankle is here for Humble and Kingwood, TX. Schedule an evaluation with a podiatrist near you today and find out whether KeryFlex may be right for you. 

This article is intended for general informational purposes and isn’t a substitute for a personalized evaluation.