A manicure may look beautiful, but some chemicals involved in the process of getting one, especially the application of artificial nails, can affect the health of your nails, the surrounding skin, and other parts of the body. Many common nail polishes contain what’s referred to as the “toxic trio” of chemicals: toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). These three toxic chemicals have been linked to serious health concerns including: birth defects, asthma, developmental problems, headaches and other illnesses. While nail polish brand leaders OPI, Orly and Sally Hansen make polishes sans the toxic trio, polishes with these dangerous ingredients still can be found in nail salons.
the poisonous chemicals.
Allergic Reactions. The development of an allergy to chemicals in nail products is the same mechanism that occurs with an allergen like poison ivy. These reactions may include, inflammation, redness, itching, and burning, which are symptoms of what's called a "contact allergy". Although they may be limited to the area around and underneath the nail, they can also occur around the face and neck. This type of reaction might be difficult to diagnose because you may not immediately connect a recent manicure with a reaction elsewhere on the body, and you may not think to mention it to your doctor when seeking treatment.
If you develop an allergic reaction, you need to avoid using that product again, because once the allergy develops, you will always be allergic to that substance and your skin will react with the same itching and burning when it is re-exposed. Not only that, symptoms may occur with subsequent exposure to different chemicals; for instance, one chemical can make you allergic to others in a reaction called "cross-reactivity".
Remember that allergic reactions may occur with, artificial nails, a base coat, top coat, nail hardener or nail polish. The reactions can be harmful the the customer and the technician. The solvents in nail polish can even cause asthma to flare up!
To avoid problems with allergies, ask your manicurist or dermatologist to do a patch test (normally on the underside of the forearm) or to attach just one artificial nail to see if you have a reaction. Also, try using TSFR-free polishes, which are less allergenic. However, polishes without this ingredient don’t last as long and still contain chemicals such as methyl acrylate, which can cause irritation.
Safety Measures. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates only some chemicals used in cosmetic nail products. For instance, FDA regulates the concentration of formaldehyde ---it can be up to 3 percent-----allowed in nail cosmetics. The FDA also recommends that ANY product containing formaldehyde should not touch the skin to to minimize the problem with allergic sensitization on the skin.
If a product stings or itches, stop using it. If that doesn’t fix the problem, see your doctor. In mild cases, a hydro-cortisone cream is usually recommended. With a severe case, oral prednisone or a cortisone shot may be prescribed.
If you develop an allergy, a visit to a dermatologist may be a good idea. A dermatologist can test you for your reactions to a variety of known allergens to see what specifically you are allergic to.
Above all, don't put the children in your life at risk by polishing their nails. Cute nails are not worth the risk to the health of any child.
Established to show the possibilities of healthy living while building better businesses, the Healthy Hair Source provides current news that promote healthy solutions for hair, skin and health care issues. This original post is on Dolle House Healthy Hair Source © copyright, 2012. Share it freely, but you must link back to this source. If you would like more information on any of our topics, please indicate that in your comments. Thanks for reading! Best Regards, Admin
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