Potential dangers of painting and attaching fake nails

Painting nails and wearing fake nails is becoming a "trend" among women. However, under that layer of glittering lipstick, there are hidden health risks.

Many toxic chemicals in nail polish and glue

Applying fake nails and decals is becoming a new trend for some women who are afraid of the negative effects of nail polish. To apply fake nails, people have to thin out the real nail layer to apply new nails on top, making the nails look very shiny and fashionable. It seems that these methods will help women beautify their nails safely, avoiding the risk of poisoning from nail polish, but this nail application also has the potential for unpredictable disasters.

Recently, the EcoWaste Alliance (Philippines) toxicology monitoring agency said that the adhesive used to attach fake nails can be dangerous to the health of users. Accordingly, the label of the glue tube lists the ingredients of nail adhesive including: Acetone, hexamethylene, methyl ethyl ketone and dibutyl phthalate - chemicals that affect reproductive health.

Previously, the US Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) also issued a warning that three chemicals toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde in some nail polish products have the risk of causing miscarriage and negative health effects such as increasing the risk of diabetes...

According to the reporter's research, the current nail product market is mostly made in China. At markets and stores, hundreds of fake fingernails and toenails are made from plastic with eye-catching patterns and colors, priced from only 40,000 VND/set. Sets with beautiful nail polish, unique drawings, attached stones or covered with glitter... cost from 70,000 - 200,000 VND/set with glue. There are also many types of nail polish. At student markets such as: Xanh, Phung Khoang... there are all kinds of nail polish, there are tiny bottles priced at only 2,000 VND/bottle. This type is often bought by parents to paint "play" for children. The type of nail polish most chosen by women is fluorescent nail polish sold in sets of three bottles of three colors to paint three layers, quite fashionable, priced from 60,000 VND/set. However, most of the fake nails and nail polishes have unknown origin and quality because there is no information on the product packaging, only general labels: Nfu. Oh, BK-Nail, Yu Nail, Liqi-Nail, Nail Art...

Talking to PV of Family and Society Newspaper, Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Hong Con (Faculty of Chemistry - University of Science - Vietnam National University, Hanoi) said that dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or acetone are both toxic substances, but they are only toxic when we use more than the permitted ingredients or abuse them. DBP is a plasticizer commonly used in industrial plastic products or food packaging. DBP can cause metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders, respiratory diseases and can cause reduced fertility in women and hypogonadism in boys.

Acetone is a solvent that evaporates easily. Inhaling acetone can cause dizziness, nausea, and at high concentrations can cause coma and affect internal organs. The longer and more intense the exposure, the more dangerous it is to health.

Easy to get infected because of fake nails

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Hong Con said that many people still think that nails are made of keratin, much harder and thicker than skin, so chemicals can be used on them without any harm. However, nails have very good absorption capacity, so toxins can easily penetrate the blood. The chemicals used to make fake nails are just as dangerous as nail polish, at the mildest are allergies to chemicals, discomfort caused by stimulants, at the worst are infections and other complications... Using fake nails and nail polish of unknown origin is even more dangerous because we do not know the chemical content in the products. Therefore, everyone should avoid abusing nail polish or wearing fake nails. If you have symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, you must see a dermatologist immediately to avoid more serious reactions.

Wearing fake nails can cause bacterial and fungal infections. Snapping or tapping fake nails can cause the real nail to peel off, creating gaps for dirt to hide. If not cleaned and disinfected when reattached, bacteria and fungus can grow between the two nails and spread to the real nail. Symptoms of infection include pain, redness, itching and pus in or around the nail. Nails turn green, yellow... If you get an infection while wearing fake nails, remove the fake nails and clean the infected area with soap and water. If symptoms persist, see a dermatologist for timely treatment.

Experts recommend that to avoid toxic chemicals, you should not overuse nail polish or use fake nails. Nail technicians should use masks and thin gloves when in contact with nail polish. Do not let the polish get on your skin or the skin of your customers. After painting or applying fake nails, you should clean your hands and feet immediately. When painting or removing nail polish, you should do it in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling acetone. Do not paint your nails often or change colors constantly to reduce the time of exposure to toxic chemicals. To keep your nails rosy and shiny, you can use coconut oil or apply nail massage oil at night before going to bed. If your nails are yellow, rub lemon on them to whiten them...

According to Gia dinh.net