Rashes, pain, blisters and bleeding' are we glossing over the dangers of manicures?

"From French tips to glazed doughnuts, shimmering cat eye to high-shine chrome, getting your nails done is the beauty trend that refuses to fade. Gel polish, dip powder, acrylic overlays whatever the method, the demand for durable, chip-resistant, manicured nails is so strong that salons now often outnumber high street bank branches in the UK. But behind the glossy finish lies a more complicated story."

"It's not the first safety red flag: Hema, another common ingredient, was restricted in DIY nail kits in 2021 after a surge in cases of allergic contact dermatitis, a painful skin condition marked by redness, blistering and swelling. So how safe is a gel manicure? And what can you do to protect yourself? Just a glance at the social media hashtag #gelallergy will show what an allergic reaction to Hema looks like."

"The consequences of developing an allergy to these chemicals known as acrylates are not necessarily confined to nail products, Lipner says: Once someone develops an allergy to one acrylate, our immune system often recognises related chemicals, and cross-reactions are common. You could have issues with dental fillings, medical adhesives, joint replacements, insulin pumps or lenses for cataract surgery. You could also react to other cosmetic things."

Gel manicures and related techniques remain highly popular, driving strong consumer demand and widespread salon presence. The European Union recently banned TPO, an ingredient that helps gel polish harden under UV light, after animal studies suggested potential harm to fertility or a developing foetus; the UK is expected to follow. Hema was restricted in DIY nail kits in 2021 after a surge in allergic contact dermatitis cases marked by redness, blistering and swelling. Social media reports describe rashes, pain and altered fingertip sensation. Acrylate allergies can cross-react with medical devices and other cosmetics, expanding health consequences. Salon workers face repeated occupational exposure.

Read at www.theguardian.com