Recently throughout Ireland
and UK, an allergy epidemic has been reported and warned by the British Association
of Dermatologists (BAD). The allergy epidemic is seen due to recent trends in gel
and acrylic nail polishes. Meth acrylate
chemicals are the key ingredients in acrylic nails, gel nails and gel polish
nails and the study conducted last year in 13 dermatology units found that at least
2.4% people were tested positive for allergy against any 1
type of the Meth acrylate chemicals.
Among the 742 people
attending skin clinics, 19% showed adverse effects from acrylic nails applied
in salons and 16% suffered from allergic reactions to a salon gel polish
treatment. The latest trend of gel and gel polish nail manicures use polishes
which get hardened under UV light for a long lasting effect. Later on these gel
nails are physically buffed off and soaked in acetone. In case of acrylic nail
paste, air exposure and then acetone soaking is done.
The uncured chemicals
from these substances can get in contact with skin
and when this happens, sensitization occurs. It is thus important to understand
that allergies can occur from artificial nails too. Allergic
reactions can involve symptoms like nail loosening, rash and itchiness not
just on fingernails but also on different parts of body which get in contact
with nails. Rarely breathing problems are also encountered.
Though (Meth)acrylates
are main components in acrylic plastics production and also employed in graphic
and printing industry, aircraft manufacture, adhesives, orthopedic cement,
dressings and dentistry; the fact that is alarming the BAD is their consecutive
use in nail enhancement industry and increasing widespread exposure. Many women
out there might be allergic but remain undiagnosed due to symptoms occurring in
different parts of body like face, neck, genitals etc.
It is important to get
diagnosed towards these chemicals so that they can avoid the allergen. Developing
an allergy to these chemicals can be alarming as there will be lifelong
consequences due to the fact that these chemicals are employed in surgeries and
dental treatments. Hence awareness of the same is a must among general public, doctors
and manicure specialists.
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