Allergy Epidemic from gel nail polishes!

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.