Sculptured nails

Kanerx a. L., Lauerma, A., Estlander, T., Alanko, K., Henriks-Eckcrman, M.-L. Jolanki, R. (1996) Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by photobonded sculptured nails and a review of (meth) acrylates in nail cosmetics. Am. J. contact Derm., 7, 109-115... 

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by photobonded sculptured nails and... 

TLV, is an adequate warning property. Vapor pressure is 73 mm Hg at 20°C (68°F). Flammable. Thermal-breakdown products include oxides of nitrogen and cyanide. May be found in products for removing sculptured nails. 

Fischer AA (1990) Adverse nail reactions and paresthesia from photobonded acrylate sculptured nails . Cutis 45 293... 

Sculptured nails are custom-made by the manicurist on a template attached to the natural nail plate. The nail plate is sanded a template is fit beneath the distal end of the nail and surrounds the other sides of the nail. The nail is coated with a primer that contains methacrylic acid. The liquid monomer and powdered polymer are mixed and painted on the nail and template extension. The sculptured nail is sanded to the desired form. Jewels, decals, and decorative metal strips can be added. As the nails grow out, the manicurist must fill with the same chemicals at the base above the cuticle every 2-3 weeks. The components and examples of the chemicals included are (Quenon 1989 Freeman et al. 1995) ... 

Porcelain sculptured nails are like plain sculptured nails with a three-component primer, liquid, and powder, except they employ a finely ground glass-like material in the powdered material. 

Artificial tips are popular with manicurists, because they do not require as much skill as sculpturing nails. The pre-formed tips extend half way down the nail and are fixed with a cyanoacrylate glue. Overlays with silk or fiberglass wraps are usually added occasionally, sculpturing acrylics are blended. 

Paresthesias from acrylic monomers have been noted in orthopedic surgeons and dentists. Severe and prolonged paresthesias have also been reported by Fisher (1989) and Baran and Schibli (1990) in individuals wearing sculptured nails, as well as in individuals wearing photobonded nails (Fisher 1990). This subject was reviewed by Fisher and Baran (1991). It is maintained that the side effect of paresthesias may rarely occur in the absence of allergic sensitization if the acrylic monomer contacts injured skin that allows penetration and exposure of the nerves. 

Baran RL, Schibli H (1990) Permanent paresthesia to sculptured nails. A distressing problem. Dermatol Clin 8 139-141... 

Fisher AA (1990) Adverse nail reactions and paresthesia from photobonded acrylate sculptured nails Cutis 45 293-294 Fisher AA, Baran RL (1991) Adverse reactions to acrylate sculptured nails with particular reference to prolonged parethesia. Am J Contact Dermat 2 38-42 Fisher AA, Frank A, Clicks A (1957) Allergic sensitization of the skin and nails to acrylic plastic nails. J Allergy 28 84-88 Fitzgerald DA, Bhaggoe R, English JSC (1995) Contact sensitivity to cyanoacrylate nail-adhesive with dermatitis at remote sites. Contact Dermatitis 32 175-176... 

Food and Drug Administration (1994) (HFS-565) Department of Health and Human Services,Washington, p 13 Freeman S, Lee M-S, Gudmundsen K (1995) Adverse contact reactions to sculptured nails 4 case reports and a literature review. Contact Dermatitis 33 381-385 Goodwin P (1976) Onycholysis due to acrylic nail applications. Clin Exp Dermatol 1 191-192... 

Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) is contained in Lowicryl 4KM and KiiM resins. It caused contact dermatitis in workers embedding media for electron microscopy. It may also be contained in UV-cured nail gel used for photobonded sculptured nails. 

Methacrylates are used in the production of a great variety of polymers. As they are moderate to strong sensitizers, sensitization occurs in many professions. Dental technicians, assistants, and surgeons are frequently exposed. Methacrylates were reported as occupational allergens in chemically cured sculptured nails. 

Ethyl methacrylate is used in dental protheses or in photobonded sculptured nails. 

Methyl methacrylate is one of the most common methacrylates. This acrylic monomer, the essential component of the fluid mixed to the powder, may cause allergic contact dermatitis mainly in dental technicians and dentists. Cases were also reported in those using sculptured nails and in ceramics workers. 

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