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Nail Technicians Allergic Dermatitis from Nail Products

Nail Technicians: Allergic Dermatitis from Nail Products

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Working as a nail technician can be a fulfilling career, offering the opportunity to create beautiful manicures and boost clients’ confidence. However, amidst the artistry and client satisfaction lies a hidden danger for some: allergic reactions to nail products, such as UV gels, which can result in allergic dermatitis. Despite the meticulous care taken by many technicians, exposure to these substances poses significant risks and challenges that need to be addressed effectively.

We address the experiences of one such nail technician who, despite taking precautions, found herself grappling with debilitating allergic reactions. Through her story and insights from industry experts, we uncover the importance of safety measures, product knowledge, and proactive strategies to prevent allergic dermatitis and preserve both health and career longevity.

The Dilemma of Allergic Dermatitis in Nail Technicians

This is a common query we receive from nail technicians who are grappling with the daunting challenge of allergic reactions to UV gels.

Unfortunately, my initial training using UV gels wasn’t great and I had overexposed myself before I knew it was a problem. Now, despite taking plenty of precautions I have severe reactions. I am very careful to use nitrile gloves and protect my hands, but sadly it’s not working. I have the most severe case of allergic dermatitis that is debilitating at times.  I have had allergy patch testing and know I am allergic to my products. Is there any hope for me? Or do I have to start considering giving up my job?

Doug Schoon’s Insights: Preventing Allergic Reactions in Nail Technicians

Wow, what can I say?  Other than “Don’t let this happen to you”.  The same will happen to many others because they don’t take the necessary precautions to work safely.

The Role of Ingredients and Precautions

People don’t become allergic to products, they become allergic to ingredients, so switching products usually won’t help them. Often these problems are a result of mixing products not intended to be used together or using the wrong nail lamp OR using pigments, glitters or other colorants that are not safe for cosmetic use. Or just from constantly exposing the skin to under cured dust/filings.

Tough Decisions for Nail Technicians Facing Allergic Dermatitis

Disposable Nitrile Gloves for Nail Technicians and Professionals
Disposable nitrile gloves are the best choice for salons, 8 mil glove thickness is best.

Sadly, the best answer when extreme conditions like this occur is, “find a new line of work and stop using or wearing nail coating products forever”. Once a serious allergy develops, it will most likely worsen with each additional exposure. It sounds like that’s what has happened to this soon to be “former” nail technician.  

Preventing Skin Problems in Nail Technicians: Key Strategies for Early Intervention

At the first signs of skin problems, this nail technician could have prevented problems from worsening simply by ensuring proper cure and avoiding skin contact with dust, filings, sticky layers, UV gel, etc. 

Keeping brush handles, containers and other objects free of sticky UV gel residues is also important.

Understanding the Role of Barrier Creams for Nail Technicians

To make gloves more effective, some will wear “barrier creams” underneath their gloves and on the wrist and forearms.  Barrier creams are skin coating creams that can slow penetration of allergy causing substances into the skin where they activate allergic reactions.

However, barrier creams are NOT replacements for gloves and they must be used cautiously, since they usually contain ingredients from the silicone family.

Even small traces of silicones can block adhesion if they contaminate the nail plate, so be sure to carefully clean the client’s nail plates and avoid getting any silicone containing cream or lotion on tools or brushes.

Preserve Your Career: Prioritize Safety Measures

Finally, protect your career and the investment you’ve made to get where you are today. Please be serious about working safely. 

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\n

Someone who is qualified to provide a wide range of nail services.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_e70828c75f6761249ff75a578c7505d1":"

Patch Testing<\/div>
Patch Testing\n

A process that is required for some beauty treatments. Usually connected with hair colouring, brow and lash tinting and lash lifting. It is also recommended for waxing. It usually involves treatments that use oxidation in the chemical process. Manufacturers instructions should be followed with regards to the process and it is usually a requirement of any insurance policy. Dates and results must be recorded. Some recommend the test to be done on the inner elbow, others behind the ear. It is strongly recommended post COVID 19 and the vaccination as immune systems are often changed. It is NOT appropriate for nail coatings as all of these should not have any skin contact.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_a656a2a40632c1e29663156211bbc0bd":"

Nail coatings<\/div>
\n

Any product used to coat a finger or toe nail for strength or to add length and\/or colour.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_0506a8f91422e69ce467fd3507a8e7a4":"

Proper cure<\/div>
\n

In a salon, when an artificial nail covering has achieved 90 percent polymerisation and has reached its intended strength, containing only very low levels of unreacted monomers, which is considered safe.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_0182d6b76b4ddcf0f0b4d1b55da12e02":"

Dermatitis<\/div>
Dermatitis\n

Dermatitis can also be known as eczema. The term represents a group of inflammatory skin diseases.\u00a0All forms of dermatitis effect the surface of the skin and there are common symptoms of inflammation \u2013 redness, swollen tissues, itchiness or pain.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_1246a1b7fb9bed3e4702bd0168f71114":"

Nail plate<\/div>
Nail Plate\n

Hard layers of modified and keratinised skin cells, bonded together, to form a protective plate on the end of each finger and toe, that prevents damage to the underlying bone and allows for manual dexterity.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_e0d97b219a649705c5dec1e4bd630cd2":"

Allergic<\/div>
\n

Describes an individual whose immune system has adversely reacted to a chemical of any kind.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_c3ce64241c1538f666db5f898e0b3a78":"

Nail lamp<\/div>
\n

Nail lamp - a specialized UV or LED light used to cure gel or gel polish<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_1256c04862bdc6c8fe0105389d4f595c":"

Allergy<\/div>
Allergy Symptoms\n

The reaction of the body to certain chemicals that it sees as a threat to health. It is a permanent condition.
<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_88d65098fcabbcc4b28f8e8d076ac5d1":"

Pigment<\/div>
pigments, pigment dust\n

The term pigment refers to a colour added to a nail coating e.g. UV gel polish or traditional nail polish. It can also be used in its powder form, usually for nail art designs. Any product used on the nails must conform to the Cosmetic Regulations and be a cosmetically approved pigment.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_4eb428598c1d8f289e6897779124e77d":"

UV Gel<\/div>
\n

A nail product that cures (or polymerizes) under a UV lamp.
There are various types of UV gels, categorized by the way they can be removed, or by the way they can be used.

<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_be3931e712d61dbc905165a4257ef0c9":"

Brush<\/div>
Brushes\n

There are many different brushes needed by a nail professional. e.g an L&P brush which needs to be a natural Kolinsky sable brush so it can hold the monomer liquid and pick up the polymer powder as a bead; UV gel brushes are usually nylon or other man made fibre. Nail art brushes are usually a variety of natural fibres. All have different uses and all much be kept clean to provide long usage.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_2ae2a5a730f9a5ec8dd0c72128dbb020":"

Lotion<\/div>
hand lotion\n

A lotion\u00a0is a low-viscosity\u00a0product intended for application to the\u00a0skin. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\n

Although there are many types of lotions,\u00a0hand lotions\u00a0and\u00a0body lotions\u00a0are meant to simply smooth, moisturize, soften and, sometimes, perfume the skin.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_028573aa40ce1f3cceb26ad80ad33592":"

Cure \/ Curing<\/div>
\n

This is the term used to describe the polymerization process for the acrylics (whether uv gels or l&p systems) used in nail coatings. A 'proper cure' is what should be achieved which is when, at least, 80% of the coating has been polymerised. Anything less than this is considered to be 'under-cured' and can cause an allergic reaction. \"Over-curing\" would be when the nail coating is cured in a lamp that has a stronger output than what the manufacturer recommends, and it will make the nail coating brittle.<\/p>\n<\/div>"}}; -->