To prevent recurrence of onycholysis during wet work, which practice is recommended?

• A. Wear no gloves and expose nails to water.
• B. Wear light cotton gloves under vinyl gloves for wet work.
• C. Use acetone on nails daily.
• D. Trim nails very short and leave them uncovered.

Answer: (B)

Reducing moisture exposure and mechanical stress on the nail plate during wet work is key. Wearing light cotton gloves under vinyl gloves provides a double barrier: the cotton absorbs and wicks away moisture while the vinyl layer blocks water and cleaning agents from reaching the nail. This combination helps keep the nail plate drier and less prone to maceration, shrinking the risk of onycholysis recurring with wet work.

If you skip gloves, the nails are exposed to water and irritants, which can soften and separate the nail from the bed. Using acetone daily dries and weakens the nail, increasing the chance of damage. Trimming nails very short and leaving them uncovered also makes the nails more susceptible to trauma and moisture-related lifting.