QuestionI recently developed a sensitivity if not downright allergy to acrylic nails after 12 years. I experience the same symptoms that a previous writer gets - redness, itching, and painful to touch (holding a newspaper hurt). We switched to LCN gel but continued to do an acrylic tip. The first time I was fine, but then I had problems again - resulted in my fingertips scabbing and peeling. Anyway, my nail tech suggested we take a break and gave me a Nailtek product to strenthen my nails. I had a similar reaction to that also, and noticed that that product contained formaldehyde, and when I switched to a formaldehyde free product I had no problem. Is it possible that my allergy is to formaldehyde or is formaldehyde just similar to EMA? Do the gels or gel process contain these chemicals, or do you know of a process for artifical nails that doesn't cause these reactions? I really hate my nails without the help - I'm a biter. Of course they really look horrible now, and I really want something, but not at the expense of my health.
AnswerYOU ARE RIGHT!!! Formaldehyde, gluteraldehyde, and toulene are all RELATED, and most UV Gels contain all 3 of these ingredients.
What most people don't know about, it that all forms of enhancement products are in the same category called ACRYLIC. This includes Liquid and Powder (aka Acrylics), UV Gels, and silk and fiberglass wraps. The differences are in the number of molecules, and what initiates the cure in them.
You may have only a sensitivity to products, which is GOOD, because it can be rid of with proper techniques on the part of your tech, but if it is in fact an allergy, there is no fix, you won't be able to wear enhancements any longer.
The only way to develop this sensitivity/allergy is by prolonged exposure to uncured product. Does your tech touch your skin with product when rebalancing your nails? Swipe around the edges with her brush? Anything like that, exposure of your SKIN to uncured product (ie: liquid monomer, un hardened gel, even fiberglass/silk resins), will at some point create a sensitivity to it.
Not all techs know this, and we aren't taught this in school, so just a license isn't usually enough when looking for a good tech to take proper care of your hands. You need to find someone that has trained with a great company, and has mastered all of their programs.
Anyone who tells you that its ok for monomer to touch your skin is misinformed, and should be avoided. Also to be avoided are those who think it's ok to file your nails with an abrasive lower than 240 grit, and those that peel your nails off every so often, telling you that you need a new set.
Go to my website, and you can look up all sorts of info on what to avoid, whats ok, and what you should run screaming from.
As for your newfound sensitivity, I would call on an allergy specialist and have them test you for formaldehyde allergy, then take it from there.
Keep me posted, let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
:)
