A German health organization has warned that nail art is a health hazard and that people who work in kitchens or are engaged in care work should not put on artificial nails. Many women like to put artificial nails on their fingers in order to make them look longer. This involves thinning the top layer of the nail first and then applying a simulated artificial nail piece to the nail. According to Green Cross Germany, thinning the nail surface will cause the nail to lose its protective layer, and its ability to resist acidic and alkaline substances will also be weakened. When removing artificial nail pieces, the nails are especially susceptible to fungal infections that can lead to diseases such as gray nails and dermatophytosis, and can cause fungal cross-contamination, says the German Green Cross. For this reason, people who work in kitchens or perform nursing jobs should not affix artificial nail pieces. At the same time, health practitioners are able to determine the body’s health indicators such as function, metabolism and nutrition from the appearance and color changes of the nails. Therefore, long-term nail care may mask signs of disease and delay treatment.