In and of themselves and when applied properly, acrylic nails are safe. What contributes to the "danger" to clients is repeated exposure to the chemicals on the skin. Most of the chemicals used to create artificial nails are acrylic-based. Certainly they would be dangerous if ingested, but it is not likely that any significant amount of the products can go through the nails into the bloodstream. The danger is when products are applied improperly. Extension products that do not fully cure or harden, whether acrylics or gels, can cause an allergic reaction. Another concern is when the products come in repeated contact with the skin. It is important, as a nail technician, to prevent products from touching client's skin. Do not be overly alarmed, though, if some product touches the skin; it is only through repeated exposure that the harm is done. And while there are no components in the products used to create artificial nails that cause bacterial and fungal infections of the nails, you must make sure that your clients care for their nails so they do not develop these types of problems.
Health
More FAQ
I recently got ringworm on my arm from a client who had it on her nail bed. How do I treat it?
I recently got ringworm on my arm from a client who had it on her nail bed. How do I treat it?... read more
What can I do to help a client who does not chew her nails, but chews the skin around her nails?
What can I do to help a client who does not chew her nails, but chews the skin around her nails?... read more
Can fungus be transmitted from one client to another with a file if proper sanitation is used or if files are disposed of? Is it airborne?
Can fungus be transmitted from one client to another with a file if proper sanitation is used or if files are disposed of? Is it airborne?... read more
I understand how allergic reactions work, but I am very perplexed at the high incidence of it I’m having lately. Please help.
In my 21 years of doing nails, I’ve had about eight people become allergic to acrylic monomer. However, in the past year I’ve had six clients become allergic. I’ve been using the same product for about five years and have had no problem until recently. I contacted the manufacturer to see if they knew of any problems and they didn’t. I understand how allergic reactions work, but I am very perplexed at the high incidence of it I’m having lately. Please help.... read more
Could the vitamins a client takes cause her nails to lift?
I have a client whose nails are lifting from the nail bed, but only about a quarter of the way. They grow just fine, but then they start to lift again. She had an acrylic overlay on for about two weeks and when that acrylic came off, the nails were perfect. Soon after, they started lifting again. She is using a nail strengthener and is on several medications and vitamins.... read more
Reader to Reader: How do you combat burnout?
How do you combat burnout?... read more
Is it ok to pedicure a client with lots of warts?
A client came in for a pedicure with what looked like warts all over the back of her heels, up and around the sides of the ankles. They were small and perfectly round, no liquid inside, very dry and hard, with a touch of whitish pink color to them. She said she’d had them a long time. She said it was just dry skin (she called them skin tags) and she told me she files them right off. She is taking medication for her heart and to lower her cholesterol. What is this condition? Is it contagious? Is it OK to proceed with a pedicure?... read more
How do I know when to change the disinfectant solution in my jar?
How do I know when to change the disinfectant solution in my jar? At school they said to change it when it has stuff floating in it, but that can’t be sanitary. Does it become ineffective when it has been used for a while?... read more
What are my responsibilities if a client acquires a nail infection after I have performed a nail service on her?
What are my responsibilities if a client acquires a nail infection after I have performed a nail service on her?... read more
What is a glomus tumor?
I had a client with a nail tumor who was reluctant to go to the doctor. We made her go and it was removed and biopsied. They said it was a glomus tumor. What is this?... read more
Why do my clients have dark spots on the soles of their feet?
When doing pedicures I have noticed that several of my clients have dark spots on the soles of their feet. Do you have any idea what these spots could be?... read more
The Nail Doctor
There is a growth of skin under four of my client’s nail and the nail plate near the free edge has a white color to it. I apply acrylic as an overlay to make her nails stronger. She takes blood pressure medication and Tamoxifen to prevent a recurrence of breast cancer. What is going on with her nails? ... read more