When manicure becomes a nightmare

A handful of ladies are opting for gel manicure. They come in various colours and last for two weeks without peeling or chipping. Though they look really nice, they do more harm than good to one's health.

According to www.dailymail.co.uk experts fear that the machines used in doing gel manicure are not regulated, meaning consumers don't know how much exposure they are getting to the rays.

This follows a study in 2009 that found two middle-aged women developed tumours on their hands following exposure to UV nail lights. Neither had a family history of skin cancer and both worked indoors and had moderate exposure to sunlight, according to the research published in JAMA Dermatology.

Another unwelcome side-effect of UV light exposure is skin ageing, meaning you could end up with perfect-looking nails but wrinkly hands. Here are some other disadvantages of gel manicure.

Irritates skin

It is impossible to get a manicure or pedicure without getting a little of the nail products on the skin. Certain ingredients in the gel manicure products, like methacrylates, can cause skin to redden, itch and swell when they come into contact with each other.

Contains toxic chemicals

Some gel manicure products contain toxic chemicals and state clearly on their packaging—BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole). It  is considered a carcinogen because it contains methyl pyrrolidone which potentially can cause harm to the reproductive system. Both of these gel manicure ingredients are on California's Proposition 65 list of toxic chemicals.

UV light

Gel manicures require nails to be placed under a small UV light to 'set' the gel. The amount of UV ray exposure is minimal, but the cumulative effect of nails, fingers and hands being exposed to the UV light increase the health risk of skin cancer, especially nail bed melanoma, a particularly difficult type of skin cancer to treat.

Damages nails

Removing the gel usually requires the nails be soaked or wrapped in an acetone solution for several minutes. Acetone dries nails and can cause nails to become brittle and chap skin around nails.

Nail fungus

Having the gel sealant on the nails for up to 2 weeks at a time prohibits the nails from getting moisture and air, leaving nails weak and prone to being invaded with a nail fungus or bacteria.

However, there are times when you want your nails to look perfect for that special occasion. When indulged in on rare occasion, a gel manicure does not pose a threat. If you must get a gel manicure, apply sunscreen to backs of hand protect against the health risk of UV ray exposure. While the gel manicure is intact, apply a thick hand cream or petroleum jelly to the nails and surrounding skin several times a day to help prevent drying nails damage.