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Methacrylates, the substances used in gel manicures, can weaken nails or produce a very unpleasant rash on the skin. However, specialists cautioned today that allergies to these chemicals are also preventing sufferers from receiving certain medical treatments, such as cataract removal, joint replacements, or dental work.
Dermatologists are noticing an increase in the number of patients who suffer “life-changing” allergies brought on by gel nail paints, which can prevent them from getting certain procedures like cataract surgery, joint replacement, or dental care.
Experts cautioned today that the chemicals in gel nail polish, known as methacrylates, might trigger an allergic reaction if they leak into the skin, causing nails to loosen and the skin to develop a severe, itching rash.
Those who suffer this reaction are then unable to tolerate being exposed to the chemical, which is used in routine procedures such as fillings and hip replacements.
UV lamps are essential for gel manicures because the light makes the nail polish harden and become more durable. (Some salons use LED lights for gel manicures, but these release plenty of UV light, too, Dr. Adigun said.)
In the new study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications last month, researchers exposed human and mouse cells to radiation from a popular nail lamp that is used in many U.S. nail salons.
About 30% of the cells died after being exposed to the lamp’s UV light for 20 minutes. The DNA of some of the surviving cells was harmed. According to Maria Zhivagui, a co-author of the paper and a postdoctoral fellow of cancer genomics and public health at the University of California, San Diego, the damage patterns that the researchers noticed were comparable to those seen in persons with melanoma, a potentially fatal kind of skin cancer.
The ultraviolet lamp that hardens polish is not utilized for long enough during at-home gel manicures, which is what most likely causes the unpleasant reaction. However, if the nail technician is inexperienced, even salon manicures could be dangerous.
Dangers Of Gel Nail Polish
The chemicals used in gel manicures, known as methacrylates cause
- Nails loosening and falling off
- Sores appearing on fingers and red and swollen cuticles
- Itchy hands and arms
- Allergies to these chemicals are also preventing sufferers from accessing some medical treatment including cataracts removal, joint replacements or dental work, experts warned today
- It can also trigger severe rash on the face, the neck, the upper chest. Simply brushing your nails against your arms or touching your face can cause symptoms to spread to those areas.
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It can cause cancer- Unprotected exposure to both UVA and UVB light, damages the DNA in skin cells, producing mutations that can lead to skin cancer.
‘We first raised the alarm on this issue in 2018, but it’s not a problem that’s gone away,’ a British Association of Dermatologists spokeswoman told MailOnline today.
In fact, it’s possible that the pandemic’s closure of nail salons contributed to a spike in the usage of at-home kits, which can be dangerous if used improperly.
If you use an at-home kit, follow the directions attentively, use the required UV lamp for curing, and avoid getting the nail product directly on your skin.
Experts said that the best method to receive a gel manicure safely is to go to a completely qualified professional.
Lesley Blair MBE, the CEO and chair of the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology told MailOnline the growing number of allergy cases was ‘concerning’.
‘Especially as at-home manicure kits are still so accessible, which can make it harder for the average person to identify harmful ingredients.’
‘The best way to minimize the risk of allergic reactions to a gel manicure is to ask your nail technician whether they carry low-level HEMA, HEMA-free, or hypoallergenic polishes, as well as always ensuring they are experienced and qualified,’ she advised.
‘When researching a nail technician, don’t be afraid to ask what certificates and insurance they hold, ‘as well as any aftercare provided to ensure you are in safe hands’, Ms Blair said.
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