Billions of women have decorated nails. This practice can express beauty, cover blemishes, and make the nails more attractive. Some nail polish also comes with nutrients that make the skin are healthier.
But in the surgical field, nail polish stirs up controversy and debate. Female surgeons, since their medical training, are discouraged from stylizing their nails.
Posts on forums and blogs about this issue show much discontent from both sides—those who insist on wearing clear nail polish and those who want this banned from surgeons’ nails.
Can surgeons wear nail polish? Guidelines offer conflicting rules on wearing nail polish in the operating room. But it depends ultimately on the national policies and the hospitals.
In the United States, surgeons in some hospitals and states can wear nail polish as long as it is not chipped or deteriorating.
But in Britain and Australia, the government mandates physicians and surgeons to be bare below the elbows. In this principle, medical professionals must remove all risks of infections there, including nail polish and jewellery. Similarly, surgeons are unallowed to have long nails.
Why are surgeons discouraged from having long and polished nails?
Healthcare workers, including surgeons, receive recommendations and policies regarding their nails. Hospitals are inclined to prohibit artificial nails and nail polish because health guidelines and research discourage them.
Research in the American Journal of Infection Control shows that acrylic nail polish can be a haven for harmful bacteria, making surgeons’ hands more infectious and unsanitary. Even if surgeons clean their hands with soap, water, and alcohol, their nails can sabotage them.
Gel-based nail polish appears to be a suitable replacement for traditional ones. But despite being longer-lasting and more durable, gel polish receives the same backlash in the medical community.
What are the notable guidelines about nail polish?
The Association of Operating Room Nurses and The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology assert their stand against gel polish during surgical operations.
These respected organizations say that nail polish may promote bacterial growth, as indicated by some studies. They can also infect patients with fungi and chemicals that stick to the polish and the extended nails.
The World Health Organization strongly discourages nail extensions and artificial nails. In its statement, the organization says that microorganisms may stay alive there even after handwash or hand rub with alcohol.
Likewise, the US Centers for Disease Control, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America maintain that artificial nails with polish may be harmful.
These organizations are somewhat lenient on gel-based polish, however. Based on their guidelines, surgeons may wear them outside the operating room. Hence, female surgeons should remove the polish before entering extensive surgeries and high-risk areas.
The other nail-related rules that surgeons follow
If the hospital allows surgeons to wear clear nail polish, they must not chip or deteriorate long enough. Research shows that these bits of polish can lodge into the wound and transmit bacteria.
Also, surgeons must not wear nail tapes, overlays, and wraps. Instead, the tip of their fingernails should be shorter than two millimetres.
The Pros of Wearing Nail Polish as a Surgeon
There are a few pros to wearing nail polish as a surgeon. First, it can help you to express your personality. Surgeons are often seen as very serious and reserved, so wearing nail polish can help you to show your fun side. Second, it can help you to feel more feminine. This can be especially important for female surgeons who often feel like they have to act more masculine in order to be taken seriously. Finally, it can help you to feel more stylish and put-together.
The Cons of Wearing Nail Polish as a Surgeon
There are a few cons to wearing nail polish as a surgeon. First, it can be a distraction. You may find yourself constantly looking at your nails or even fidgeting with them during surgery. This can take away from your focus and concentration, which is vital in the operating room. Second, it can be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you have any cuts or scrapes on your hands, bacteria can easily get under your nails and cause an infection. Finally, it can be a safety hazard. If you are using any kind of machinery or equipment during surgery, your nails could get caught on something and cause an accident.
How Wearing Nail Polish as a Surgeon Can Affect Patients
Wearing nail polish as a surgeon can affect patients in a few different ways. First, it can make them feel more comfortable. If you have a fun and friendly personality, your patients will likely feel more at ease. Second, it can make them feel more feminine. This can be especially important for female patients who may feel more comfortable with a female surgeon. Finally, it can make them feel more stylish and put-together.
How Wearing Nail Polish as a Surgeon Can Affect Other Doctors
Wearing nail polish as a surgeon can affect other doctors in a few different ways. First, it can make them feel more comfortable. If you have a fun and friendly personality, your colleagues will likely feel more at ease. Second, it can make them feel more feminine. This can be especially important for female doctors who may feel more comfortable with a female surgeon. Finally, it can make them feel more stylish and put-together.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that there are pros and cons to wearing nail polish as a surgeon. It is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide if it is right for you. If you do decide to wear nail polish, be sure to take extra precautions to avoid infection and accidents.
There are pros and cons to wearing nail polish as a surgeon. On the one hand, it can help you to feel more feminine and attractive. On the other hand, there is a risk of infection and accidents. If you do decide to wear nail polish, be sure to take extra precautions to avoid infection and accidents. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying polish, and avoid using polish that contains acetone or other harsh chemicals. In conclusion, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of wearing nail polish as a surgeon carefully to decide if it is right for you.
FAQs
1. Can surgeons wear nail polish?
Yes, surgeons can wear nail polish. However, they should avoid wearing long nails. It is also recommended that surgeons choose light colors over dark colors and avoid wearing patterned or glittery nail polish. The reason behind this is that long nails and dark colors can harbor bacteria. Glittery nail polish can also get into wounds and cause infections.
2. Can surgeons wear false nails?
Yes, surgeons can wear false nails. However, they should avoid wearing long nails. It is also recommended that surgeons choose light colors over dark colors and avoid wearing patterned or glittery nail polish. The reason behind this is that long nails and dark colors can harbor bacteria. Glittery nail polish can also get into wounds and cause infections.
3. Can surgeons wear acrylic nails?
Yes, surgeons can wear acrylic nails. However, they should avoid wearing long nails. It is also recommended that surgeons choose light colors over dark colors and avoid wearing patterned or glittery nail polish. The reason behind this is that long nails and dark colors can harbor bacteria. Glittery nail polish can also get into wounds and cause infections.
4. What kind of nail polish do surgeons wear?
Surgeons typically wear light colors of nail polish such as pale pink, nude, or light blue. They avoid wearing dark colors or glittery nail polish. The reason behind this is that long nails and dark colors can harbor bacteria. Glittery nail polish can also get into wounds and cause infections.
5. Do surgeons have to take off their nail polish?
No, surgeons do not have to take off their nail polish. However, they should avoid wearing long nails. It is also recommended that surgeons choose light colors over dark colors and avoid wearing patterned or glittery nail polish. The reason behind this is that long nails and dark colors can harbor bacteria. Glittery nail polish can also get into wounds and cause infections.