Allergic Reactions Caused by Gel Nail Polishes on the Rise

A survey of 742 individuals found that 16% had experienced serious reactions to gel polish. A warning on this issue was first issued in 2018 by the British Association of Dermatologists following reports of a significant increase in allergic skin reactions linked to the chemicals. Dermatologists recently brought the issue to light again, noting the steep rise in the number of individuals who develop allergies caused by gel nail polishes seeping into their skin.

The warning notes that the chemicals found in these products may cause a serious, itchy rash to develop on one’s skin as well as loosen the nails. The chemicals in question — methacrylates — are methacrylic acid derivatives used to make methyl methacrylate and related polymers. Methacrylate is usually used as a bone cement for hip and knee implants and in dentures and dental prosthesis.

During gel manicures, methacrylate can enter the skin when the UV lamp isn’t used for the suitable period or if the equipment doesn’t work properly. The ultraviolet lamp is usually used to harden the layers of polish.

One consultant dermatologist, Dr. Deirdre Buckley, discussed how the body reacted to the chemical and highlighted some of the unintended consequences of this. She explained that experiencing severe reactions could prevent an individual from having routine medical procedures such as dental implants or dental casts done, as well as orthopedic surgeries, including joint replacement.

Buckley also noted that the body could become sensitive to acrylates in other things, which could also have lifelong implications if individuals are diabetic because methacrylates are used in insulin pumps and diabetic glucose sensors. She then listed the symptoms of the allergic reaction, which included a person’s nails loosening or falling off, as well as a severe rash on the neck, face and the upper chest. Other symptoms include sores on fingers, swollen lips, and red, swollen cuticles.

To avoid this, experts advise that people get their manicures done by fully trained professionals because reactions are more likely to occur when at-home gel kits are used incorrectly and/or by poorly trained persons. Buckley also emphasized that individuals with asthma or those who had trouble breathing may experience worse symptoms.

It should be noted that beauticians may also develop similar allergic reactions because gloves may not afford them enough protection from the methacrylates. Nail technicians are advised to use nitrile gloves when applying the polish and change their gloves every half-hour using a no-touch technique.

It seems as if plenty of products that people are using lately have the potential to trigger allergic reactions. This is likely to raise the caseload of patients afflicted by allergic conditions, and it now becomes more urgent for companies such as Aditxt Inc. (NASDAQ: ADTX) engaged in finding ways to retrain the immune system to contain autoimmunity to press ahead and commercialize their products.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Aditxt Inc. (NASDAQ: ADTX) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/ADTX

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