Dermatologists warn that popular gel nail polishes cause increase in the number of people developing allergies “that change lives” and that might to prevent certain operations. Experts claim that the chemicals in gel nail polishes, which are methacrylates, can infiltrate the skin and cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms of such a reaction include the detachment of the nails from the nail bed and the appearance of a severe rash around the nails.
“Symptoms can vary from person to person, from person to person, ranging from nail loosening and falling off, to a severe rash on the face, neck and upper of the chest,” says Dr Deirdre Buckley, Consultant Dermatologist at Bath.
In some cases, people may have difficulty breathing or have their asthma worsen. Worse still, they can become sensitive to acrylates found in other productswhich may have implications for dentistry, diabetes or orthopedic surgery, and it is a awareness that lasts a lifetime. Methacrylate is often used as a bone cement for knee and hip implants, as well as in dentures and dentures.
The British Association of Dermatologists (ADB) today reiterated its warning regarding allergic reactions linked to artificial nails. She now fears that the closure of nail salons during the pandemic will prompt more people to opt for stay-at-home kits.
“It is likely that the closures during the pandemic have contributed to the increase in the number of people using home artificial nail kits,” says Dr Buckley, who works for the AfDB.
Gel nails, which are derived from methacrylates, are applied to a person’s natural nails and must be “cured” under a ultraviolet lamp (UV). As for acrylic nails, it is a paste applied to natural nails and which hardens in the open air.
The AfDB has concerned regarding these three methods and warned that sensitization occurs when uncured material comes into contact with any part of the skin. It can occur both in a professional setting and at home. Beauticians are also at risk of developing the allergy because protective gloves may not provide sufficient protection and methacrylates can pass through gloves.
Dr Buckley said people should be aware of the risks associated with artificial nail products. She advised nail technicians, who are particularly at risk, to wear nitrile gloves when applying the products, change every thirty minutes and use a non-contact technique. She then urged home users to read the instructions, to always use the recommended UV lamp for curing, and not to use the same lamp with other varnishes purchased separately (source 1).