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Nail Polish Allergy Treatment in New Orleans
Are you allergic to acrylic in nail polish? Get tested here. Dr. Reena Mehta is a board-certified allergist in New Orleans that specializes in treating acrylic nail polish allergy and other nail cosmetic allergies. Contact us today to schedule your visit!
“I went to see Dr Mehta due to eczema flaring that has been on and off for a while. I had seen other dermatologist and they all would just prescribe me a topical steroid cream for a short term solution. Dr Mehta helped me come to the realization that it was certain products that I was using in my day to day life. After talking about switching some products at home, my eczema has been 100% better and I am no longer using any creams for itching. She is the best!“
– Brooke G, March 2021
Overview
Symptoms
Testing
Treatment
In modern nail cosmetics, nail polish allergies are either caused by an acrylic allergy or tosylamide/formaldehyde resin allergy, with acrylic allergy being the more common diagnosis.
Nail Acrylic Allergy
Nail acrylic allergy is triggered by acrylate monomers, including 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, ethyl cyanoacrylate, 1,4-butanediol diacrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate. Nail acrylic allergy may also be referred to as cyanoacrylate allergy or methacrylate allergy.
Gel Polish Allergy
Traditional acrylic nails are applied using a powder polymer mixed with a liquid polymer. Newer gel manicures include an acrylate-based nail polish (causing the nail gel allergy), a base coat, two coats of color, and a top coat. Each layer is treated with an LED or UVA lamp, creating a long-lasting, semi permanent manicure.
Dips
Nail Wraps
Tosylamide/Formaldehyde Resin (TSFR) Allergy
It is still possible to encounter TSFR in nail polishes, but it is much less common today than it was a decade ago.
Nail technicians with acrylate allergy typically have a much worse reaction that develops with continuous exposure. Pulpitis and cutaneous fissures are common. Other nail polish allergy symptoms can include subungual hyperkeratosis, onycholysis, and nail dystrophy. Though rare, paresthesia, urticaria (hives), or upper respiratory tract symptoms can occur.
An allergist is best equipped to diagnose nail cosmetic reactions. Dr. Mehta can help you confirm whether or not you’re allergic to nail polishes or nail treatments. Allergy testing begins with a detailed medical history, where Dr. Mehta will ask you questions about your contact with nail treatment products and other common skin allergens that may be causing your symptoms. If your history is consistent with nail polish allergy, the next step is to undergo skin testing.
Patch Testing
Nail Polish Allergy Prevention
If you work with acrylates as a nail technician or another profession, nitrile gloves are recommended to shield you from acrylate exposure while maintaining dexterity. Nitrile gloves are considered to be effective for 15 to 30 minutes of exposure, after which a glove change is recommended. If your work requires longer exposure to acrylate, industrial grade gloves, such as Silver Shield/4H gloves, may be effective but tend to limit dexterity. Dexterity can be maintained in this case by cutting off the fingertips of industrial grade gloves and wearing them underneath a standard nitrile glove.
Moisturizers and Topical Ointments
Nail Acrylic Allergy Testing in New Orleans
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