QuestionHi I have been getting my nails done for 20 years. I have been going to the same clean place for 2 years. All of a sudden after getting my nails done the cuticles become so very itchy, puffy then the sides of the nails on my skin becomes i do not know how to explain it, it becomes like cut, infected, oozes white stuff. It is so painful! It happened for the first time I took the nails off and it did not help the healing process. I kept nails off for months so scared. Then I got them again a different product line, the tech gave me my own tools, even my own drill bit to keep in a box. I was fine for the first 3-4 times now it is happening again. I do not want to stop getting nails however the pain is horrible. Do you think it could be the primer? Thanks
AnswerSo it seems that what happened to you was very sudden, but in all actuality you have probably had this coming on for quite some time.
And you don't have to be using a dirty implement to get an infection. If your tech is being overly aggressive with a file or a tool of some sort, ie: cuticle pushers, nippers, etc, you can open up your body to bacteria and POOF! You have a full blown infection, also referred to as PARONYCHIA.
You can also have the type of reaction you described from years of having the wet monomer liquid repeatedly touching your skin, developing a sensitivity to it. It doesn't matter what product line you use, they all have the same basic ingredient, a chemical called Ethyl Methacrylate. When used correctly, its harmless, but overexposure to the skin can have some side effects, and sometimes can create a permanent allergy. It's cousin, Methyl Methacrylate, is still commonly used inm lower end discount nail salons, in spite of FDA recommendations that it not be used in nail enhancement products.
I think you need to take a break, see a Dr., make sure everything is ok with your hands.
Next you need to re-evaluate where you go and how your tech works. If the service steps you have received the last 20 years don't appear to have changed any, you may need to start looking for a tech trained on the most recent techniques and product lines.
It is unnecessary to damage your own nails when getting enhancements. It is also not necessary to use primer, or other corrosive liquids to help the nail enhancement products (AKA: Acrylic, Gel, Fabric wraps) to adhere to the natural nail. Newer technologies actually PROTECT the natural nail!
Go see a Dr, preferably a dermatologist, and start getting those hands healed.
When you are good and ready, shoot me an e-mail and I will refer you to a tech that will keep you in beautiful, natural looking enhancements that will also keep you SAFE from the maladies you have already suffered so much from!
Keep me posted... :)
~Heather
