Are there too many nail techs with allergies to nail products???

[Vetty]

Hun, I AM a mobile technician!!
It is very true about all of the above.... I am saying that the IDEAL way to work to reduce vapours and dust and ensure that no over exposure will happen is to be at a nail desk with extractors.
I also follow all the precautions you do too....

Well there you go!! I wasn't having a dig, or fighting my corner so to speak - just offering a different point of view..... Shows how assumptions can be wrong though, sorry!! :o

It does make you wonder how many NSS tech's suffer contact dermatitis etc..... well it makes me wonder anyway!!

:hug:

 

[nailzoo]

You can get portable ventilation units. Small ones that vent from the side, bigger desktop ones that fit on a table (expensive though).
One of the best ways to deal with dust is to throw as much of it away as possible.
Prep over a paper towel, then throw it away.
Apply on paper, then throw it away.
File one hand over paper then throw it away.
File the other hand, then throw the paper away.

 

[lovenails1]

Just a thought.

How do you know that Techs are allergic to their products?

I thought I was and had 20 odd patches placed on my back to test what was causing my rashes and I was sure it would come back that it was my job.

It was nothing whatsoever to do with Acrylic products etc, and was something else altogether.

So unless us Techs have the correct tests done, we can not be sure that it is the products at all.

 

[Envy]

Just a thought.
How do you know that Techs are allergic to their products?
I thought I was and had 20 odd patches placed on my back to test what was causing my rashes and I was sure it would come back that it was my job.
It was nothing whatsoever to do with Acrylic products etc, and was something else altogether.
So unless us Techs have the correct tests done, we can not be sure that it is the products at all.

Love Nails has an extremely valid point!!!
There really is several issues in moot here folks:

Firstly the type of allergens Carl is referring to are called Primary Sensitisers - they are ingredients that cause quick reactions. Such as peanut protein or bee venom. You can come into contact with these ONCE and react for life. Only option is to permanently stay away.
(NOTE: all primary sensitisers have been removed from cosmetics worldwide)

Secondly there is long term overexposure to Secondary Sensitisers These are ingredients (such as monomer) that if overexposure (beyond levels specified safe by regulatory agencies) occurs for repeated and prolonged periods of time an allergy May occur. Not everyone can become allergic but some can..

Thirdly - avoidance - it is not nessecary to avoid secondary sensitisers completely. Even once allergic you can work around the problem by reducing contact with the ingredient that is causing the irritation. Such as adequate extraction/ nitirile glove etc... - working smarter - when we know we work with products like this (or even house hold cleaners for that matter) we work smart. By reducing contact where inappropriate, reducing dust, proper extraction, correct mix ratio, plastic back pads, we can actually prevent a secondary sensitiser from becoming an irritant and avoiding an allergy from actually occuring! I hope this helps. I personally feel every tech needs to know this information to prevent problems occuring.

Lastly - I think the reason we hear so much about techs with allergys is that those who do have a problem are reaching out for the information that they should have received before the problem!! Rather than after - Prevention is always better than cure.

 

[becki x]

Imo there are many techs who assume it is the products they use causing the reaction without ever having it investigated !

My dedication to my vocation means i would have it investigated to rule it out so that i could carry on doing what i love or amend the service i offer accordingly .

 

[Mrs.Clooney]

Just a thought.

How do you know that Techs are allergic to their products?

I thought I was and had 20 odd patches placed on my back to test what was causing my rashes and I was sure it would come back that it was my job.

It was nothing whatsoever to do with Acrylic products etc, and was something else altogether.

So unless us Techs have the correct tests done, we can not be sure that it is the products at all.

Please tell me where and how to get these tests done in the UK? I have asked this question 100 times and nobody can give me an answer. My GP is worse than useless in this area and just says "give up your job"! Well, thank you for that helpful answer when I have spent literally £1000's on training and setting up my business and now I must give up a job I love passionately!?!:irked: Who conducts these patch tests?

 

[Mrs.Clooney]

I developed an allergy to gel and L&P due to overexposure due to 2 reason mainly. Firstly, I do not feel that adequate info was given during my training on sensitivity to products and dangers of overexposure. We hardly touched on it. Secondly, I became sensitized due to my own carelessness of handling of the product resulting in too much skin contact, dust etc..... I have not given up yet though and am still investigating an alternative gel so that I can recommence my nail career, this time with a MUCH greater respect for the product and it's handling.

 

[sandy12b]

yes, well i work in my hallway, with the front door open and as i say i only get around 3 to 4 customers A WEEK, (as i still work as a midwife, part-time) until the nail business takes off a little more, so I can't see where overexposure comes into the equation, as i also do the change of paper roll after prep, filing, etc.
My GP is a waste of time too when it comes to doing patch test, keeps making excuses, etc, also where and what is the best extrator fan which reduces dust and vapour, as i think my problem is with the vapour.
thanks:hug:

sandy x

 

[grafxgal]

A GP wont do a patch test, you have to see a specialist like a dermatologist, or go to an Allergy Clinic. I don't know about over in England but here in NZ you don't need a GP referral to see a Dermatologist or go to the Allergy Clinic.

 

[lovenails1]

I saw my local GP about my bad rashes and he referred me to a Dermatologist. The Dermatologist did the patch tests and he was very thorough.

That's how we do it in Australia, hth.x

 

[geeg]

If you are patch testing with nail products, you MUST apply for your patches form the company it self who makes the product.

You can't patch test with monomer ... monomer contains many ingredients and it needs to be broken down into those ingredients to see which one a person is allergic to. Only the company who manufactures the monomer can supply this for your doctor to use.

The patches will most likely be labeled A B C etc and will not tell you what the ingredient is that you are allergic to until it is proved that it is one of them. Many ingredients are 'private' and the company in question will not give you all of them or the formulation (many have tried to get info this way).

If one is allergic to one of the ingredients, then your doctor can get the information as to what that ingredient is from the company.

 

[Mrs.Clooney]

If you are patch testing with nail products, you MUST apply for your patches form the company it self who makes the product.

You can't patch test with monomer ... monomer contains many ingredients and it needs to be broken down into those ingredients to see which one a person is allergic to. Only the company who manufactures the monomer can supply this for your doctor to use.

The patches will most likely be labeled A B C etc and will not tell you what the ingredient is that you are allergic to until it is proved that it is one of them. Many ingredients are 'private' and the company in question will not give you all of them or the formulation (many have tried to get info this way).

If one is allergic to one of the ingredients, then your doctor can get the information as to what that ingredient is from the company.

Thank you very much for this information.

 

[paula]

Hi Guys
Interesting post.

I have had to give up my career in nails earlier this year. I had been mobile for 4 years, took most precautions regarding use of chemicals (metal bin, aware of skin contact, fresh roll etc\), yes, ventilation was a problem, I used to ask a client to open window and sit close to it, thats all.

My reaction began December 2005, woke up with puffy eyes, face and continuining with my clients became worse, I became worried, saw GP, and basically after varius attemps using gloves, mask and barrier cream, my reaction was so severe I had to call it a day, my symptoms, puffy eyes, face,neck followed by blisters and irritation lasted 4 weeks and I was referred for patch tests.

I had loads of patches stuck on my back, but Gigi is correct, they are pretty useless unless you ask your supplier for patches regarding ingredients of eg monomer etc. The acrylic family, adhesive and all nail related products came back clear......but I only have to open my kit box and within 24hrs I have puffiness and redness around my eyes and face, thats without touching anything! My reaction is so severe.

Looking back, be aware of headaches at the end of each day and nausea. Look for the signs and take precautions. My reaction was definitley due to lack of ventilation. Work safely, yes, ventilation precautions may be expensive and inconvenient when mobile, but if you are serious about your career, and health, you will make sure you have something, it will be the best money you have spent.

I still visit this site, read all posts, but, unfortunately, can't participate or add comments as I have messed up.
Sorry for the long post....just don't want someone elses career to end in tears, listen and take on board all health and safety issues.

Paula xx