Allergic reactions to nail polish

Signs of allergy to nail polish

The first sign of being allergic to nail polish is often a rash on the eyelids or face, not a rash around the nail. This occurs because the person has inadvertently rubbed their eyes and since the skin on lids is thin and sensitive, the allergic rash begins there.

Allergy to nail polish is classified as contact dermatitis because it results from direct contact with the substance you’re allergic to. Nail polish contains chemical substances that can cause an allergic reaction.

Delayed Reaction

Contact dermatitis is also called a delayed hypersensitivity reaction because it generally takes several exposures to the offending substance, or allergen, before it produces a full-blown allergic reaction.
An allergy to nail polish is often attributed to eye makeup or skin care products because the initial symptoms are typically expressed around your eyelids,face, ears and neck.

Fingernail polish contains several chemicals that can trigger an allergic reaction. Chemicals often found to produce allergies include:

• Toluene Sulfonamide Formaldehyde Resin, or TSFR;
• Formaldehyde resin;
• Para- and ortho- toluene sulfonamide;
• Acrylates
• Dihutyl phtalate;
• Thermoplastic resin;
• Nickel mixing beads.

Before you buy, you need to read the product label carefully to check the ingredient list for allergens, in case you have an allergy to any of the chemicals in fingernail polish, .

Allergy Symptoms Including Headache

The nail polish fragrance wafts up toward your eyes and face, especially if you do your own nails, contacting the skin around your eyes.
Therefore, touching your eyes or face before nails are completely dry can also produce symptoms, from a mild to moderate contact allergy include redness, itching, hives, swelling, blistering and pain.

Red nail polish reactions

Red nail polish may cause nail allergies more often than other colors. One additive that some red nail polishes have is carmine, a dye from ground up insects that has a particularly vivid red color. Carmine has been found to cause contact dermatitis reactions when added to red lipstick and eye shadow.

Carmine may cause severe allergic reactions when ingested or breathed!

It is good to know the different names of carmine in cosmetics: cochineal extract, carmine, crimson lake, natural red 4, C.I. 75470 or E120.

Be aware that these terms refer to the red dye in your cosmetics – which is derived from the dried bodies of female cochineal insects.

TPHP

Furthermore, a recent study has also found that a chemical, TPHP, found in more than 49% of nail polish brands, might be an endocrine disruptor, which means it interferes with hormones, and can show reproductive and developmental problems; Scientists say it may be linked to weight gain.

Prevention

When an allergic reaction to nail polish occurs, remove immediately. Wash thoroughly with a mild soap and warm water to clear away all traces of offending chemical substances. Get medical help immediately in case of a headache along with other allergy symptoms.