What are the side effects of nail cosmetics?

What are the side effects of nail cosmetics?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, women who excessively use nail cosmetics may face serious health issues. There are various techniques available for nail beauty enhancements such as nail polishes, manicures, gel polish, nail hardeners, artificial nails by UV lamp technique, etc.  

However, these nail cosmetics have the potential to compromise your nail health such as fungal infection, skin cancer, deteriorating the quality of nails by making them brittle and ugly. Let us know more about the health problems caused by these nail cosmetics.

Nail polishes are usually made up of three ingredients namely Toluene, Formaldehyde, and Dibutyl phthalate.

• Toluene: It is a solvent (found in gasoline) that is added to nail polish to create a smooth finish. It is detrimental to the central nervous system and reproductive organs. Other side effects may include headaches, numbness, and irritation of the eyes.
• Formaldehyde: It is a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) that is used as a nail hardening agent. Formaldehyde is also used as a disinfectant for manicure and pedicure tools, however, it can cause skin rashes.
• Dibutyl phthalate: This adds flexibility to nail paints, but it can be harmful to the reproductive tract. They keep polished nails from cracking or becoming brittle. Elicit nausea, dizziness, and headaches are its side effects.

Acetone, which is commonly used in nail polish removers, can dry out your nails and can also cause severe allergic reactions such as dermatitis.

Gel polish (also known as ultraviolet [UV] light-curable nail lacquer) requires photo-curing. Gel polish has grown in popularity due to its durability & resistance to chipping and scratching, and ease of application. The gel is applied in the same way as regular nail polish. The gel is then hardened by exposing your nails to ultraviolet (UV) light.

Pterygium is a newly discovered consequence of gel nail polish that causes morbidity and pain (particularly when cutting or filing the nails). Gel polish can also cause Onycholysis (painless detachment of the nail from its nail bed), lesions under the nail plate, and thin brittle nails. 

Sculpted or Acrylic nails are the most common (artificial) used nail growth technique. Acrylic nails are traditionally applied with a nail extension and do not require the use of a UV lamp. Artificial nails are primarily made of acrylic polymers, which are formed by reacting acrylic monomers (chemical composition) together. The polymers themselves are typically quite safe but reactive monomers may cause an adverse reaction in people who have sensitive skin such as redness, swelling, and pain in the nail bed.

It can also cause Pruritic eczematous dermatitis (type of nail allergy showing eczema and dryness) of the fingers, hands, and wrist. When the artificial nail is filed from the top; it can lead to the thinning of the natural nail. If the salon person did not maintain proper hygiene, these artificial nails can also invite nail infections, swelling, pus, or redness.

Nail hardeners contain formaldehyde that bonds with the natural keratin of the nails and makes the nails much harder. On the other hand, using these nail hardeners regularly may cause nails to become brittle and more prone to breaking or peeling. Also, nail hardeners can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions such as ACD (Allergic contact dermatitis) and distant dermatitis. Therefore it is better to use other nail products that contain resins as they will form a strong coating on your nails without using any toxic chemicals.

A UV lamp is required for many artificial nail applications. UV-A has been used in these UV light lamps to photo-cured, harden, and dry nail cosmetics. The UV lamp is a possible danger of carcinogenesis (the process by which normal cells become cancer cells). UV radiation is a known cause of skin cancer, skin aging, eye damage, and may affect the immune system. It can cause cracks, thinning of nails, and complete separation from the nail bed)

Preventions from side effects of nail cosmetics

However, you can save yourself from the harmful effects of nail cosmetics by following certain precautions. Therefore, safe grooming tips must be followed to ensure healthy and beautiful nails. If you don't moisturize your nails regularly, the dry skin of your fingers/feet is more likely to become infected due to cracks that may occur on the side of nail beds. Furthermore, the clipping, cleaning, and cutting of your nails will keep your nails from growing inwards and triggering an infection.  

Here are some of the tips to protect your nails.

• Gently massage the nails with Vaseline (Petroleum jelly) as it will bring natural shine to the nails and also improve blood circulation.
• Practice clean nail hygiene by using good quality nail clippers. (Avoid if it is rusted)
• Wear gloves while washing dishes or clothes.
• Do not bite your fingernails or cut your cuticles too deep.
• Avoid using nail polish remover too excessively. (As it contains harsh chemicals)
• Never avoid any infection symptoms on your nails such as discoloration or nail fungus. Visit the nearest doctor as soon as you detect any issue.