Tired and cranky? Bothered by headaches, nausea, or blurred vision? It may be you’re sensitive to the chemicals you work with. Short of entering a plastic bubble, learn how to protect yourself from chemical overexposure.
Does red, rough skin, small blisters, and separated nails sound familiar? What you may be calling a fungal infection could be an allergy to nail products.
Several years ago nail technicians expressed concern about the use of formaldehyde in nail polish and nail treatments because it is a know skin irritant and some people are allergic to it. However, I suspect that less than 1/10,000 of human exposure to formaldehyde comes from nail products.
I allow most patients I treat for nail disorders to keep their acrylics while undergoing therapy unless wearing them would be detrimental to their recovery.
“The Nail Doctor” is a monthly health column written by Orville J. Stone, M.D., a dermatologist who specializes in diseases of the nail. This column is intended as a guide to help you recognize and understand common nail conditions. Remember, however, that your job as a nail technician is to beautify the nails, not to diagnose or treat physical ailments.