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Avoiding
the Pitfalls of Professional Nail Care (Part 2)
 From
Me to You
Sharing
is good, but not when it comes to bacterial, viral and fungal
infections - all of which can be passed along via unsanitary nail
care implements and broken skin.
Unfortunately, not all states require nail implements to be sterilized
before use, and those that do require salons to use only the lower-level
disinfectants registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency - not the higher-level ones registered with the FDA. (The
EPA registers disinfectants used for non-critical uses
- think non-surgical - whereas the FDA registers disinfectants
used for critical uses.)
The trouble with the EPA-registered disinfectants is that they're
not strong enough to kill hepatitis C, the HIV virus and a host
of other undesirable residents.
To guarantee that the implements being used aren't passing along
more than a great manicure, it's important to go to a salon where
the metal implements are disinfected before each client with either
an FDA-registered disinfectant or heat sterilization (also called
autoclaving); and all disposable implements - such as nail files
- are not used on more than one client.
Some clients choose to purchase their own set of metal and disposable
implements and either store them at the salon or bring them along
each time they have their nails done.
It's also a good idea to be aware of any cuts or scratches on
the hands of the nail technician and request that gloves be worn
when necessary to prevent the transmission of hepatitis C and
the HIV virus - both of which are contracted via the blood.
Close
To Home
When
it comes to artificial nails, the closer they stay to the natural
nail, the better. In other words, wearers should avoid lifting
at all costs. Once the artificial nail lifts - which can happen
following a bump to the nail or when natural nail creates a gap
between the acrylic and the base of the nail - the chance for
bacteria and fungi to take hold increases dramatically.
Even the slightest lifting - which is often undetectable by the
wearer - provides an entry point for bacterial and fungal infections,
as well as moisture, which provides an ideal breeding ground for
further growth.
Symptoms of an infection include pain, redness, itching and pus
in or around the nail area. Bacterial infections are often indicated
by a yellow-green, green, or green-black discoloration; whereas
fungal infections usually manifest themselves in a bluish-green,
brown or yellow discoloration and can make the nail opaque, white,
thick and brittle.
Once an infection appears, it's necessary to remove the nail extension
and treat the area with an anti-microbial product. Although pain
is not usually present in mild cases, it may be present in more
severe cases, which should be treated by a dermatologist.
In the case of fungal infections, there's renewed hope for effective
treatment: A new, prescription-only product, called Penlac Nail
Lacquer (ciclopirox), became the first FDA-approved topical treatment
for fingernail and toenail fungus in December 1999.
In the meantime, prevention remains the best medicine.
To avoid any lifting of the artificial nail, it's best to avoid
placing undue exertion on the extensions; to maintain a regular
schedule of salon visits (the gaps created by new nail growth
should be filled at least every two weeks); and to immediately
tend to nails that break or become otherwise damaged.
Although it's often possible to repair a damaged extension at
home with nail glue, some precautions should be taken beforehand
to avoid trapping bacteria and moisture: The nail should be cleaned
with soap and water, dipped in alcohol and kept free of water
and Band-Aid-type dressings (that retain moisture) for several
hours. (All dressings covering the nail should be removed for
several hours a day to promote dryness.)
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Calling
All Chemicals
We
learned about the dangers of the use of methyl methacrylate
("MMA") in professional nail care products in part
one of Nail Time! But MMA isn't the only potentially
dangerous chemical in the nail care world.
In addition to EMA, there are a dozen or so nail care ingredients
that read like a crazy list compiled from a bowl of alphabet soup
-- and although none have been officially banned by the FDA and
most are used in only small amounts, it's important to be aware
of their potential effect on the human body.
Nail polishes, for example, contain butyl acetate and ethyl acetate,
which can cause central nervous system problems; nitrocellulose,
which can increase heart rate; dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde,
which are carcinogenic; and toluene (also used to make explosives,
adhesives and gasoline), which can cause birth defects and harm
to the reproductive system.
Acetone and some non-acetone-based polish removers can cause dry
skin; eyes nose and respiratory tract irritation; and liver damage
with long-term exposure.
Even the small particles created during nail filing are capable
of entering the body and lodging deep in the lung tissue - making
it little wonder why so many nail technicians develop asthma and
lung cancer.
Fortunately, more and more manufacturers are taking note of the
potentially harmful effects of chemicals and are introducing products
with more healthful - or less-harmful - ingredients.
Avon, Clinique and Revlon have all introduced nail enamels that
are free of formaldehyde and toluene, which are often used as
preservatives and bonding agents in polishes. (In addition to
the drawbacks listed above, formaldehyde and toluene are capable
of causing nose and throat irritations, rashes, headaches, nausea
and asthma.)
There are also ventilation systems currently available for in-salon
use that are designed to cut down on the fumes and particles filling
the air, and one quick look on the internet shows a number of
nail products citing more natural and organic ingredients.
Ready,
Set, Go
When
it comes to professional nail care, a little knowledge is (definitely!)
a good thing - and now that you've got yours, you're ready to
take control of your nail care regiment, ensuring that you get
the safest service possible . . . because the price of beauty
shouldn't include your health!
Discuss
this topic with others right now at Beauty
Tips!
Jonna
Crispens is a New York-based freelance writer and editor with
a passion for unlocking the secrets to healthy living, anti-aging
and personal style at all ages.
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