Acrylic Nails Research Articles

Acrylic sculpting nails, an occupational hazard for contact dermatitis. Case reports and review of the literature

Abstract Acrylates are plastic materials formed by the polymerization of monomers, which are recognized as powerful sensitizers that may cause allergic contact dermatitis both in occupational and non-occupational environment. In the occupational setting, the most exposed workers are the dentists, dental technicians, prosthesis technicians, printers, painters, fiberglass workers and nail technicians. We describe four cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis in nail technicians caused by acrylic compounds that illustrate numerous clinical manifestations. Clinical manifestations ranged from edema, erythema, scaling and fissuring fingertips to erythematous patches around the chin, mandible and abdomen. Patch testing results revealed positive reaction to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate in all patients. Of the four patients, two changed jobs, one stopped exposure because of pregnancy and one patient continued working, showing no improvement, despite undergoing treatment. These cases underline the importance of improvement of preventive measures in the workplace.

Classical Guitar Players’ Views on Using Acrylic Nails

Bu araştırmanın amacı, akrilik tırnak kullanan klasik gitaristlerin g.rüşlerini almak ve bu g.rüşler doğrultusunda tırnak problemi yaşayan gitaristleri akrilik tırnak konusunda bilgilendirmektir. Böylelikle tırnak problemleri için ..züm arayışında olan gitaristlere bir alternatif daha sunulmaya çalışılmıştır. Nicel araştırma yöntemiyle gerçekleştirilen bu araştırmada betimsel tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Veri toplama aracı olarak, araştırmacı tarafından 5’li Likert tipi bir anket geliştirilmiştir. Anket oluşturulurken, akrilik tırnak kullanan 4 uzmandan g.rüş alınmıştır. 19 sorudan oluşan bu anketin güvenilirliği 0.72 Cronbach Alpha katsayısı olarak hesaplanmıştır. Uygulamaya hazır hale getirilen anket, bu araştırmanın çalışma grubunu oluşturan 27 kişiye uygulanmıştır. Bu anket interaktif ortama aktarılmış ve katılımcılara interaktif yolla ulaştırılmıştır. Çalışma grubu, kartopu örnekleme yöntemiyle belirlenmiş ve daha önce akrilik tırnak kullanmış veya kullanmaya devam etmekte olan klasik gitaristlerden oluşturulmuştur. Anketten toplanan veriler, betimsel istatistik yöntemi kullanılarak analiz edilmiş ve araştırmanın sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Sonuç olarak, hissiyat kaybına yol açması ve gerçek tırnağa hasar verme ihtimali dışında, katılımcıların akrilik tırnak kullanımından memnun olduklarını söylemek mümkündür.

Recommendation to include hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate in the British baseline patch test series.

(Meth)acrylates are potent sensitizers and a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The frequency of (meth)acrylate ACD has increased with soaring demand for acrylic nails. A preliminary audit has suggested a significant rate of positive patch tests to (meth)acrylates using aimed testing in patients providing a clear history of exposure. To date, (meth)acrylates have not been routinely tested in the baseline patch test series in the U.K. and Europe. To determine whether inclusion of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) 2% in petrolatum (pet.) in the baseline series detects cases of treatable (meth)acrylate ACD. During 2016-2017, 15 U.K. dermatology centres included 2-HEMA in the extended baseline patch test series. Patients with a history of (meth)acrylate exposure, or who tested positive to 2-HEMA, were selectively tested with a short series of eight (meth)acrylate allergens. In total 5920 patients were consecutively patch tested with the baseline series, of whom 669 were also tested with the (meth)acrylate series. Overall, 102 of 5920 (1·7%) tested positive to 2-HEMA and 140 (2·4%) to at least one (meth)acrylate. Had 2-HEMA been excluded from the baseline series, (meth)acrylate allergy would have been missed in 36 of 5920 (0·6% of all patients). The top (meth)acrylates eliciting a positive reaction were 2-HEMA (n = 102, 1·7%), 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (n = 61, 1·0%) and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (n = 57, 1·0%). We recommend that 2-HEMA 2% pet. be added to the British baseline patch test series. We also suggest a standardized short (meth)acrylate series, which is likely to detect most cases of (meth)acrylate allergy.

Contact Dermatitis to Cosmetics.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to cosmetics is extremely common-probably the most common reason patients present for patch testing. The diagnosis should initially be suspected based on the patient history and the distribution of the dermatitis. Once the diagnosis is suspected, empiric recommendations for low allergenicity products should be implemented until patch testing is performed. The face is exposed to greatest number of cosmetics, and as a result, facial dermatitis is the prototypical presentation of cosmetic contact dermatitis. In particular, the eyelids are frequently involved, with common sources including shampoo, conditioner, facial cleansers, makeup remover, mascara, nail polish, acrylic nails, makeup sponges, eyelash curlers, and allergens transferred from the hands. Other typical facial distributions include lateral facial dermatitis, central facial dermatitis, and generalized facial dermatitis, each with its own unique set of most likely causes. Lateral facial and/or neck dermatitis is often a "rinse-off" pattern, with shampoo and/or conditioner rinsing down over these areas. Central facial dermatitis, when due to ACD, can be due to gold being released from gold rings and contaminating makeup foundation or to ingredients in moisturizers, wrinkle creams, topical medications, or makeup. Sparing of the lateral face is largely due to the fact that patients are more assiduous about applying the aforementioned substances to the central face than to the lateral face. Generalized facial dermatitis should trigger consideration of airborne contactants, facial cleansers, makeup foundation, and moisturizers and medications that are being applied confluently. Once adequate patch testing has been performed, there are a number of extremely helpful resources to help patients find products that are safe for use, such as the American Contact Dermatitis Society's "Contact Allergen Management Program" app.

Analysis of Hazardous Volatile Compounds in Acrylic Nail Materials by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy

Analysis of Hazardous Volatile Compounds in Acrylic Nail Materials by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy

Evaluation of structural damage and pH of nail plates of hands after applying different methods of decorating.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of nail polish, gel polish hybrid, gel nail, and acrylic nail powder and the removal of these formulas on the nail plates properties, particularly the influence of different coatings on morphology and pH. The morphology and structure of nail plates were analyzed with use of scanning electron microscopy. The pH values of the nail plates of hands were measured using the system Courage & Khazaka. The analysis of morphology and structure of the surface of nail plates showed distinct changes caused by decorative coatings. The most common ones include fragility and splitting of the nails. The pH value measured in the whole group ranged from 5.21 to 7.00. The methods used to prepare nails for decoration and all methods of removing the applied preparations damage the healthy nail plates. The most common changes are brittleness and nail splitting. The nail polish remover causes less damage than acetone, and the use of a nail drill machine and nail file causes the greatest destruction of nail plates. The biggest effect on the pH change has the gel polish hybrid, gel nail, and acrylic nail powder, causing the pH value of nail plates to rise above 6.0, whereas after the application of the nail polish, the pH of the plates was on average 5.8 which is closest to the normal value, assumed as physiological.

Evaluating an owner-to-worker training intervention in California nail salons using personal air monitoring.

Chemicals in nail products have been linked to numerous health concerns. We recruited Vietnamese-American nail salon owners and workers in California and randomized salons into an intervention or control group. Owners in the intervention group received training and then provided education to workers in their salons on best practices to reduce workplace chemical exposures. Methyl methacrylate (MMA), toluene, and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) were measured using personal air monitors worn by workers during the work-shift. We enrolled 77 salons (37 intervention and 40 control) and 200 workers. There was no significant intervention effect between the two groups. However, MMA and TVOCs were higher for workers who used gel polish and acrylic nails as well as in busy salons. Although the intervention did not show reductions in chemical levels, identifying worker tasks and salon characteristics that predict chemical levels can inform future interventions to reduce exposures.

Pseudopsoriatic nails due to acrylic nail application

Pseudopsoriatic nails due to acrylic nail application

Evaluation of the bacterial burden of gel nails, standard nail polish, and natural nails on the hands of health care workers

Acrylic nails harbor more bacteria than natural nails, and wear is not recommended for health care workers (HCWs). Little is known about the new and popular gel nail products. This study sought to evaluate the bacterial burden of gel nails, standard nail polish, and natural nails on the hands of HCWs. The study was conducted at 3 health centers. Nails on the dominant hand of 88 HCWs were painted with gel polish and standard polish. Cultures were obtained on days 1, 7, and 14 of wear and before and after hand hygiene with alcohol hand gel. A total of 741 cultures were obtained. Bacterial burden increased over time for all nail types (P ≤ .0001). Reductions in the bacterial burden of natural nails and standard polish, but not gel polish, (P = .001, P = .0028, and P = .98, respectively) were seen after hand hygiene. All 3 nail types become more contaminated with bacteria over time. Standard polish and natural nails may be more amenable to hand hygiene than gel polish. This study did not show an increased number of microorganisms on nails with gel polish; however, gel nails may be more difficult to clean using alcohol hand gel.

Allergic contact dermatitis from acrylic nails in a flamenco guitarist

Acrylates are molecules that are well known for their strong sensitizing properties. Historically, many beauticians and individuals using store-bought artificial nail products have developed allergic contact dermatitis from acrylates. More recently, the use of acrylic nails among flamenco guitarists to strengthen their nails has become very popular. A 40-year-old non-atopic male patient working as a flamenco guitarist developed dystrophy, onycholysis and paronychia involving the first four nails of his right hand. The lesions were confined to the fingers where acrylic materials were used in order to strengthen his nails to play the guitar. He noticed improvement whenever he stopped using these materials and intense itching and worsening when he began reusing them. Patch tests were performed and positive results obtained with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (2-HEA), ethyleneglycol-dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (2-HPMA). The patient was diagnosed with occupational allergic contact dermatitis likely caused by acrylic nails. Artificial nails can contain many kinds of acrylic monomers but most cases of contact dermatitis are induced by 2-HEMA, 2-HPMA and EGDMA. This is the first reported case of occupational allergic contact dermatitis from acrylates in artificial nails in a professional flamenco guitar player. Since the practice of self-applying acrylic nail products is becoming very popular within flamenco musicians, we believe that dermatology and occupational medicine specialists should be made aware of the potentially increasing risk of sensitization from acrylates in this setting.

Acrylate and methacrylate contact allergy and allergic contact disease: a 13-year review.

(Meth)acrylates are important causes of contact allergy and allergic contact disease, such as dermatitis and stomatitis, with new and emerging sources resulting in changing clinical presentations. To identify the (meth)acrylates that most commonly cause allergic contact disease, highlight their usefulness for screening, and examine their relationship with occupational and clinical data. A retrospective review of results from patch tests performed between July 2002 and September 2015, in one tertiary Cutaneous Allergy Unit, was performed A series of 28 (meth)acrylates was applied to 475 patients. Results were positive in 52 cases, with occupational sources being identified in 24. Industrial exposures and acrylic nails were responsible for 13 and 10 cases, respectively, with wound dressings being implicated in 7. We found that four individual (meth)acrylates (2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate, and ethyl acrylate), if used as a screening tool, could have identified 47 (90.4%) of our positive cases. Our 13-year experience indicates a changing landscape of (meth)acrylate contact allergy and allergic contact disease, with an observed shift in exposures away from manufacturing and towards acrylic nail sources. Wound dressings are highlighted as emerging sources of sensitization. Larger studies are required to establish the sensitivity and specificity of the four (meth)acrylates proposed for potential screening.

Cosmétiques unguéaux

Cosmetic embellishment of fingernails involves the use of substance that harden either after the evaporation of solvents (varnishes) or after polymerisation (artificial acrylic nails, gel tips, glue-on artificial nails). Pathological reactions to cosmetics usually occur at a remote site for varnishes, and, most commonly, in situ with polymerising substances. Unvarnished artificial nails do not affect pulse oximetry readings, and in theory, patients are not required to remove them. However, a real problem of contamination via artificial nails exists. Increased carriage of pathological Gram-negative organisms and of Staphylococcus aureus and yeasts has been noted among nursing staff wearing artificial nails, both before and after fingernail cleaning. Fingernail fragility manifests itself through a number of different physical signs such as soft, breaking nails, with longitudinal or transverse fissures, showing distal doubling or friability. In some subjects, excessive manicuring with metal instruments or manicure sticks results in rolled onycholysis, of evocative appearance, or transverse onycholysis.

Identifying Health and Safety Concerns in Southeast Asian Immigrant Nail Salon Workers

Nail salon workers are exposed to a variety of toxic chemicals at levels that remain unreported and have undetermined health consequences. The objective of the study was to gather information about the hazards in nail salons along with safety practices and health concerns of nail salon workers. A survey was conducted on 65 nail salon workers who were immigrants from Southeast Asia in Oregon, USA. More than 20% of the participants reported nose irritation and allergies as the most common health problems. Rare and no use of gloves and mask were reported among 72% and 32% of the participants, respectively. A significantly higher number of participants with “fair” or “poor” self-reported general health condition was found among the workers who applied acrylic nails compared with those who were not involved in this application. Findings of the study emphasize the need for more research to determine the relationship between chemical exposures in nail salons and health outcomes.

Worn down nails after acrylic nail removal

Worn-down nail syndrome is a nail disorder characterized by thinning of the distal nail plate caused by repetitive chemical or mechanical trauma. We present a previously undescribed source of worn-down nail syndrome caused by trauma from nail filing after acrylic nail removal.

Acrylic nail curing UV lamps: High-intensity exposure warrants further research of skin cancer risk

Acrylic nail curing UV lamps: High-intensity exposure warrants further research of skin cancer risk

Intractable shellfish anaphylaxis: sensitization by cross-reactive substances in a complementary “immune stimulant” and acrylic nails

Traditional and complementary therapies are increasingly sought with the goal of preserving or enhancing health. There is a burgeoning global trend to purchase “immune stimulants” and other complementary therapies on-line and at health food shops without consideration of potential allergenicity and cross-reactivity. We report a case of shellfish anaphylaxis followed by recurrent anaphylaxis likely caused by sensitization to chitin (crustacean shell)–associated substances in acrylic nail glues and an “immune stimulant.” A diagnosis of “idiopathic anaphylaxis” is frequently given to unexplained adverse reactions.

The effect of nail polish and acrylic nails on pulse oximetry reading using the lifebox oximeter in Nigeria

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES - Pulse oximetry is mandatory during anaesthesia, sedation and transfer of critically ill patients. The effect of nail polish and acrylic nails on the accuracy of saturation reading is inconsistent. The Lifebox pulse oximeter is reliable and recommended for low and middle income countries. We investigated its accuracy in the presence of 4 nail colours and acrylic nails SUBJECTS AND METHODS Fifty non-smoking volunteers had their fingers numbered from right to left (little finger of right hand =1 and little finger of left hand =10). Alternate fingers were nails painted with clear, red, brown and black nail polish and the 5th finger had acrylic nail applied. The corresponding finger on the other hand acted as control. The oxygen saturation was determined using the Lifebox pulse oximeter. Results All fingers (100%) with clear nail polish, red nail polish and acrylic nails recorded a saturation value. Each of the mean saturation value for clear nail polish, red nail polish and acrylic nails was not significantly different from the control mean (p= 0.378, 0.427 and 0.921). Only 12% and 64% of nails polished black and brown respectively recorded a saturation value. The mean SpO- for black and brown polish were significantly different from their control mean (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Black and brown polish resulted in a significant decrease in SpO with the Lifebox oximeter. Dark coloured nail polish should be removed prior to SpO2 determination to ensure that accurate readings can be obtained.

Allergic contact dermatitis to methacrylates in ECG electrode dots

Acrylates are used widely in acrylic nails, dental restorative materials, paint, varnish, printing ink, adhesives, glue, orthopaedic prostheses, bone cement and diathermy pads. This is the first case of allergic contact dermatitis to methacrylates in electrocardiogram electrode dots reported in the literature.

Allergic contact dermatitis from sculptured acrylic nails: special presentation with an airborne pattern.

Methylmethacrylate was first reported in 1941 as a cause of contact dermatitis. Since then, occupational contact allergies to acrylates in dentistry, orthopedic surgery, printing industry and industry have been reported, but few reports are found in the literature as a consequence of the contact with sculptured artificial acrylic nails which are increasingly popular. We describe here 3 patients with contact allergy to acrylates in artificial sculptured nails. Patch tests were performed with the Portuguese baseline series of contact allergens and an extended series of acrylates were applied. In particular, we tested three female patients with allergic contact dermatitis from sculptured acrylic nails. Two of these patients were both customers and also technical nail beauticians. Two patients developed periungual eczema; one presented only with face and eyelid dermatitis had no other lesions. The tests showed positive reaction to 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (2-HEMA) and 2-hydroxypropylmethacrylate (2-HPMA) in all the three patients. Our cases demonstrate the variety of clinical presentations of allergic contact dermatitis from acrylic sculptured nails. They show the need to warn patients of persistent and sometimes permanent side effects of these products. They also emphasize the importance of cosmetic ingredient labeling.

Allergic contact dermatitis from sculptured acrylic nails: Special presentation with a possible airborne pattern

Sculptured artificial acrylic nails are widely used in developed countries. Methylmethacrylate was first reported in 1941 as a cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Since then, occupational contact allergies to acrylates in dentistry, orthopedic surgery, printing industry and other industries have been reported.We describe 3 patients with contact allergy to acrylates in artificial nails.Patch tests with the Portuguese baseline series of contact allergens and an extended series of acrylates was applied.We observed three female patients with allergic contact dermatitis from sculptured acrylic nails. Two of these patients were both customers and also technical nail beauticians. Two patients developed periungual eczema; one patient presented only with eyelid dermatitis and no hand or periungual lesions. The tests showed positive reactions to 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (2-HEMA) and 2-hydroxypropylmethacrylate (2-HPMA) in three patients.Our cases demonstrate the variety of clinical presentations of allergic contact dermatitis from acrylic nails. They show the need to warn patients of persistent and sometimes permanent side effects of these nails. They also emphasize the importance of cosmetic ingredient labeling.