At-home manicure kits rose in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic.
But while it may be more efficient and cost-effective to do your gel or nails at home, officials from the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) have issued a warning over some products amid a steep increase in cases of allergic skin reactions linked to (meth)acrylate chemicals.
“(It is) when the uncured products come into contact with any part of the skin that sensitisation to the chemicals can occur. This is very likely when people apply a product themselves, or if insufficient training has been given to the nail technician,” a spokesperson commented.
“Additionally, if the product isn’t cured sufficiently then this can increase the risk of an individual developing an allergy. Latex and vinyl (PVC) gloves provide no protection from these chemicals, which will penetrate them immediately.”
The warning applies to gel nails made from a substance that needs to be “cured” or hardened under an ultraviolet (UV) lamp, acrylic nails, or gel polish – a hybrid of gel and nail varnish.
“It’s important that people are aware of the potential risks of artificial nail products, whether they are having them applied in a salon or at home. Nail technicians are particularly at risk and should wear nitrile gloves when applying the products, changing them every 30 minutes with a no-touch technique,” added Dr Deirdre Buckley.
“It’s very important that you avoid direct skin contact with the nail product whilst it is curing.
“Many people are unaware of potential medical and dental implications if they become sensitised to nail methacrylates. The same or very similar methacrylates are used in white dental fillings, enamel tooth coatings, orthopaedic bone cement, diabetic glucose sensors and insulin pumps. This can have serious consequences for future medical care.”
