Permanent nail polish and prosthetic nails, which are popular applications of recent times, may not be as innocent as you think. Experts warned that the risk of skin cancer will increase as the hands are frequently exposed to UV rays as a result of continuous application.
Recently, increasing applications of nail aesthetics have brought about discussions about some health problems. Allergy and Clinical Immunology experts stated that there are many risks because permanent nail designs, known as Nail Art, are fixed to the nail with UV rays, and explained permanent nail polish, acrylic prosthetic nail and gel prosthetic nail procedures, their risks and acrylate allergy:
In permanent nail polish, after applying polish to the nails, ultraviolet (UV) light is applied to solidify the polish. Here, frequent UV exposure as a result of continuous application has the potential to increase the risk of skin cancer. Taking breaks from applications, applying sunscreen before application or wearing open-ended gloves can be protective measures against the risk of skin cancer.
Additionally, excessive filing of the nail before application may cause nail damage. The main difference between acrylic and gel prosthetic nail applications is that in gel prosthetic nails, special prosthetic nail gels are dried with UV lamps after being applied to the nail, while acrylic prosthetic nail application is done by mixing special acrylic powders with acrylic monomer and applying them to the nail. Here again, we can talk about the risk of cancer and premature aging due to UV contact as long-term health threats. However, a common problem that may arise in all these applications is the development of allergies due to the acrylates contained in the products used.
What is acrylate allergy and what symptoms and consequences can it cause?
Acrylate allergy was previously seen generally in dental personnel such as dentists and dental technicians; While it is a condition seen in printers, painters and workers who come into contact with adhesives, in recent years it has emerged due to nail procedures such as acrylic nails, gel nails and permanent nail polish. These reactions can be seen both in the people who receive the procedure and in the estheticians who perform the procedure. Moreover, this risk increases with home application.
Redness, itching, swelling, peeling, crusting, dandruff…
The most well-known meth acrylate chemicals are 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate and ethyl acrylate, but the one most detected in patch tests is HEMA. HEMA has entered the European Contact Dermatitis Association Patch Test Basal Series since 2019.
When acrylate allergy is caused by nail products, it may occur with eczematous symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, peeling, crusting, and dandruff, especially on the hands, fingertips, around the nails, and wrists. However, these symptoms may also occur in areas that would not come to mind at first, such as the eyelid, face, neck, abdominal skin, and groin skin. Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed or other types of nail disorders may also occur in the nails. It may also rarely cause urticaria or shortness of breath. Since nail technicians constantly come into contact with these chemicals, the symptoms may be more pronounced.
Acrylate allergy is irreversible!
Acrylates are also used in other industries besides nail products. Once an allergy is acquired, it can be permanent for life. Acquiring this allergy due to an arbitrary reason may prevent people from using medical equipment they will need to use in the future. For example, dental prosthesis applications, orthopedic surgery applications, medical device applications or hair and eyelash prosthesis applications will become risky applications for the person with allergies when acrylate allergy develops.
References:
- M.E. Gatica-Ortegaa, , M.A. Pastor-Nietob,c, J.F. Silvestre-Salvadord. Allergic Contact Dermatitis Caused by Acrylates in Long-Lasting Nail Polish. NOVELTIES IN DERMATOLOGY. Vol. 109. No.6. pp. 508-514 (July- August 2018)
- Haughton, Adrienne & Belsito, Donald. (2008). Acrylate allergy induced by acrylic nails resulting in prosthesis failure. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 59. S123-4. 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.07.011.
- Havmose M, Thyssen JP, Zachariae C, Johansen JD. Artificial Nails and Long-lasting Nail Polish in Danish Hairdressers: Self-use, Occupational Exposure and Related Eczema. Acta Derm Venereol. 2022 Nov 23;102:adv00818. doi: 10.2340/actadv.v102.4524. PMID: 36317860; PMCID: PMC9811296.
- Kocabas G, Steunebrink IM, de Groot A, Rustemeyer T. Results of patch testing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in the European baseline series: A 4-year retrospective study. Contact Dermatitis. 2023 Dec 26. doi: 10.1111/cod.14488. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38146793.