Risks and benefits of manicure and pedicure

Nails can become real works of art. But are we sure that there is no contraindication?

The appointment with manicure – and pedicure – concerns everyone, women but also men, so much so that it has recorded an increase of 46% in 5 years. The phenomenon, analyzed by UnionCamere and InfoCamere on the data of the business register, has even created a new professional category, nail technicians, specialized in reconstructions, application of enamels, milling and removals that guarantee a splendid and above all durable manicure.

And if once to “get your hands” you could risk at most an unpleasant cut (not to be underestimated, infections are contracted just like that) today dermatologists and podiatrists launch the alarm: nail art can do damage, even heavy.

Contact allergy

Some ingredients used in permanent and semi-permanent enamels – these are acrylic compounds, artificial resins – can cause allergic reactions that are manifested by itching, swelling, redness, small lesions, pain on the fingertips. In this case, all treatment should be discontinued and the dermatologist consulted.

It is clear that this type of manicure and pedicure should be performed in specialized professional centers and that the beautician will advise against any intervention in the presence of very fragile nails, which flake or break, or if there are obvious damages and fungi.

In short, to have perfect nails you need to start from a good basic situation. In addition, prolonged use of permanent or semi-permanent enamels could damage the nail plate. Experts recommend at least a week of rest between applications.

Hands in the oven!

To fix the enamels or gel you have to put your hands and feet in a “small oven”, that is, under the rays of a UVA lamp. According to the American Academy of Dermatology 12 sessions from manicure would be able to alter the DNA of the skin, cause spots and dilation of the capillaries.

Beauty salons should provide customers with special gloves cut so that only the nails are free. However, recent LED technology makes it possible to halve exposure times. But not the possible risks, as the irradiation is greater.

Reconstruction and removal

Stretch, change the shape, fight onychophagia, that is, the habit of nibbling your nails. This is what the reconstruction technique promises, which uses gels and microelements (tips, in practice small prostheses) in paper, silk or other artificial materials, modeled directly on the nails.

But be careful with the removal, which is generally carried out with files or cutters, with the risk of affecting the keratin layer of the nail. To eliminate the enamels, however, you need a solvent (remover), in which to immerse your fingers for a few minutes.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *