Occupational Dermatitis in Nail Salon Workers

Professional manicure work has been recognized as a profession since the 1980s, and has recently become one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. Nail salons offer manicure and pedicure treatments, acrylic, UV gel and silk/fiberglass coatings and extensions and acrylic and UV gel sculpted extensions. The increasing use of gel nails and sculptured nails has led to a rise in incidence of (metha)crylate allergy among nail technicians. Symptoms of sensitization include subacute or chronic eczema located to the pads of the fingers, periungual dermatitis, onycholysis and nail shedding. As primary prevention of sensitization is recommended, education among nail technicians regarding safer use of nail products is important. Means of primary and secondary prevention include proper ventilation in the work surrounding, avoidance of skin contact with uncured (meth)acrylates by careful work techniques and the use of gloves.