Health

Lately I’ve been hearing that paraffin candles are somehow toxic. What can you tell me about this?

February 27, 2011 | Bookmark +

Lately I’ve been hearing that paraffin candles are somehow toxic. What can you tell me about this?

Answer

Paraffin is a by-product of the petroleum industry. Its production employs the use of carcinogenic solvents including toluene, benzene, methyl ethyl ketone (also known as MEK or 2-Butanone), and naphthalene. These contaminants are released in fumes when a paraffin candle is lit, which is especially troubling when users are in unventilated areas. Although some claim it could take years of consistent use for paraffin candle fumes to affect the lungs, why take the risk when cleaner (plant-based) options are available?

— Lisa Sykes is a sustainability specialist for Universal Companies.

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What’s the cause of the pinkish-red oval area on the pad of my client’s toes?

I have a client who has a recurring problem with her fourth toes during the winter months. Both of her “ring finger” toes develop a pinkish-red oval area on the pad. Then a month later, when I see her again, the skin has become dry and hard like a callus, with the layers of skin peeling away to reveal a deeper, dark epicenter.  It’s extremely painful for her and, needless to say, we do not touch it. But it clears up in the summer when she’s wearing open-toed sandals, so I suspect it has to be due to the boots she wears in the winter. Plus she never puts lotion on her feet or uses a foot file in between visits. What do you think causes this?

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What are the big white spots on my natural-nail client’s nails?

I have a client who has been with me for about two years. She used to wear acrylic nails but has been a natural nail client for eight months or so. She has these white spots on her nails — big spots that are dry, but not flaky, right in the middle of the nail. I did try to buff them lightly but they do not come off or grow off. I had a new client come in last week who had the same on her toenails. She said it started after she had a pedicure done at another salon. Can you help?

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