Discover the potential health risks associated with acrylic nails, including sensitivity to methacrylate, a common ingredient that can cause contact dermatitis and other complications.
In a special study conducted by dermatologists, it became clear that one of the main reasons why cosmetic complications occur when building acrylic nails is due to a very bad sensitivity, and this results in unacceptable results. (Learn about common questions about acrylic nails)
Acrylic nails have become popular in recent years in the field of cosmetics, which allows women to get beautiful, distinctive nails, especially with some of the short-term options for cosmetic procedures. For starters, it’s quick and inexpensive, and the materials used are generally safe.
However, in the study conducted between the years 2001-2004, it became clear that women who use one of the materials used in acrylic nail procedures may experience varying degrees of sensitivity.
The material we’re talking about is methacrylate, a common substance used to build acrylic nails. The study included a group of 55 women between the ages of 20 and 70, divided into two groups – women who work in acrylic nail construction, and others who had acrylic nails done.
It turned out that those women showed serious symptoms such as itching in the hands and around the neck at a level that irritates the skin, which is associated with severe pain. Despite the appearance of symptoms on the hands, they did not stop there, but moved to other areas of the body, especially the face (it is possible that the material fumes cause suffocation), and the limbs, and other parts.
Most of the women working in this field reported feelings of anxiety and hesitation about the work, along with hesitation about the source of their livelihood. In addition, the symptoms that appeared limited the freedom to work to a large extent, and in many cases, the use of hands became almost impossible.
“Treating the disease combines several things,” in addition to stopping work for those working in this field and stopping acrylic nail construction for others. Early treatment of skin irritation – Contact Dermatitis – resolves the sensitivity issue definitively.
“The complex problem is that when sensitivity to methacrylate develops, it cannot be overcome, and this causes many concerns, and therefore it is difficult to continue to enjoy artificial nails or work in this field.
It is worth noting that methacrylate is a common material, found in natural dental adhesives used in dentistry and orthopedic surgery.
For those who develop a sensitivity to methacrylate, it is possible that they will suffer from problems even when treating dental or orthopedic surgeries, because in these procedures, materials containing methacrylate are often used.
Therefore, it is not possible to predict when the sensitivity to methacrylate will occur, similar to what happens in chronic diseases that flare up from time to time without underlying or hereditary reasons, the sensitivity to methacrylate cannot be predicted at all.
So what’s the solution? Doctors advise that the most important thing is awareness of the issue, including those who build acrylic nails and those who use them. This is a dangerous matter that must be taken into consideration, because its consequences for the field are very important.
Myth & Facts
Myth: Acrylic nails are always safe.
Fact: While generally safe, sensitivities to materials like methacrylate can develop, causing complications.
Myth: Sensitivity to methacrylate is easily overcome.
Fact: Once developed, sensitivity to methacrylate is difficult to treat and may limit future options.
