QuestionQUESTION: So, I've had gel nails for about 9 months and no problems, until recently. I
had a fill done yesterday and have fills done regularly every 2 weeks. So, 2
weeks ago yesterday, after my fill, I experienced some itchy fingers. I didn't
think too much of it because I had spent some quality time outside playing in
the grass with my son. And after a few days, 2-3, the itching went away.
Well, yesterday after my fill I experienced the itching times 2 accompanied
with burning and swollen finger pads. Thank goodness for the internet
because after researching, I suspected that I was experiencing an allergy to
acrylic. So, I decided to err on the side of caution and had the nails removed
and Ouch (cos it hurts) and Yuck (cos of what I'm left with). And my nail
place told me that I wasn't having an allergic reaction to anything and made
me feel bad about having them removed. Double yuck!
So, my questions are these: Will I ever end up with somewhat pretty natural
nails again? And how long until this insane itching, burning and pain goes
way from my finters?
ANSWER: Dear Dawn,
One of a couple of things has occured.
Either A) you have developed an allergy to acrylic in general B) you have been exposed to MMA (a toxic acrylic) and have reacted to that C) they changed brands of acrylic and you have reacted to that particular brand.
Without knowing what products they use, it's hard to say what your reaction is the result of.
If you do not know what MMA is, please see this page on my site regarding MMA (toxic and ILLEGAL product found in cheap acrylics) and about NSS (non standard salons)
http://ongles-chez-victoria.tripod.com/victoriasnails/id18.html
If the acrylic was painful to remove, I suspect two things: that they did indeed use MMA which will NOT soak off in the usual 20-30min and must be pried off or electric filed (aka drilled) of and/or that your usual technician is not qualified nor properly trained and is not doing things as they should be done.
Since your former technician placed the blame on your shoulders (which is certainly NOT where it belongs) and disregarded a real concern, rather than try to resolve it I assume that they are also "NSS".
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Neither the application of the product NOR the removal of said product should ever be painful. This is NOT normal!!
My best advise to you is to report this salon to the local health board and any other governing offices as appropriate in your region, and to seek out another technician that IS fully qualified AND trained AND licensed and request to have REAL UV Gels applied (uv gels NEVER contain powder, NOT EVER) and this way you can be 100% certain that MMA is not being applied. Many that experience issues with acrylic are fine with UV Gel and suffer no allergic or over-exposure problems.
Please feel free to contact me again.
Best regards
Victoria
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: So, the nail tech didn't soak my nails to remove the gel stuff. They simply
snipped the end off, then peeled back the gel to leave my natural nail behind.
When we moved to Arizona last year, my nails started to break due to the dry
heat. That's when I chose to go the gel route. I would much prefer to have
gel nails but not at the expense of this itch and pain. No beauty
enhancement is worth that much discomfort.
If I do change my mind and want to go to the UV gel that you mentioned, how
do I go about finding a salon in my area that provides that service? Do they
have to register anywhere?
Thank you so very much for your help. I did purchase some of the Solar Oil
that someone somewhere had mentioned and will try that for some months to
help regrow and hopefullly fix my nails. Otherwise, short nails sound much
better than no nails!
AnswerDear Dawn,
First of all, neither gel nor acrylic should ever be peeled off of the nail. This is 'forcible' removal and will remove upper layers of your nail plate and damage it. This tech was irresponsible and the very true cause of the damage!!
UV Gel is exactly as the name implies, a 'gel' similar in varying viscosities to hair gel. NO POWDER is used at all, NEVER. The gel is hardened under a special UV lamp.
Please see this page to see the differences in the systems:
http://ongles-chez-victoria.tripod.com/victoriasnails/id16.html
I do not know what area you are in, and there is no listing of 'great' techs that I could refer you to.
However, if you read the link I provided you to the page about NSS and MMA, you'll pick up some facts and tips on how to know the difference between a good technician and a poor one.
Also, stear clear of 'nail bars' and 'cheap' salons. You're better off looking for something that costs about 40$ give or take. Anything cheaper in a salon, and you're taking a risk.
The best advise I can give you is to call around and ask questions. If they give the wrong answers or answers that are not satisfactory, then move on to the next technician.
Best of luck
Victoria
