The alert published by the magazine 60 Million consumers reminds that fans of false nails must be particularly vigilant regarding the use of cyanoacrylate glues. These are used to apply false nails and present a risk of serious burns if thrown onto clothing.
Beware of glue for false nails!
Already in 2021, the National Food Safety Agency (ANSES) published an article on the danger of these glues for false nails projected on clothing. Thus, the agency wrote in its press release: “Direct skin contact with cyanoacrylate glues for false nails is generally not serious. On the other hand, contact of this glue with fabric, especially cotton or wool, causes a chemical reaction resulting in an instantaneous release of very strong heat. In addition, the high fluidity of these glues promotes their diffusion through the fabric, which increases the skin burn surface area.. These accidents can occur on the fingers of course but also on the rest of the body, including the face which can be touched with the hands.
Cases of burns have also been recorded by poison control centers (CAP), including one in a 20-month-old girl who had to undergo a skin graft.
How to react in the event of a burn of this type?
Please note: if glue is splashed on clothing, it is recommended to immediately apply cold soapy water to the area where the glue has been splashed and to consult your doctor as soon as possible if you have a burn.
The importance of keeping these products out of the reach of children
Faced with the craze for applying false nails (available over the counter), the 60 Millions de consommateurs site and ANSES insist on always keeping this type of product out of the reach of children in order to avoid accidents. Likewise, the magazine calls on manufacturers to make mention of this risk on packaging.
Maceration and UV lamp: the other risks of false nails
Also be careful of the risks of maceration between the real nail and the false one, which can encourage the proliferation of microbes. This can weaken the nail, or even cause it to change color.
The magazine finally pays special attention to false gel nails. More resistant, they can be kept for several weeks but require the use of UV lamps to harden the mixture which serves as glue. But a study in 2023 judged that chronic use of these lamps would damage human cells and lead to carcinogenic mutations. In a press release published on April 28, 2023, the Academy of Medicine also warns of these devices. ”
These lamps emit type A UV rays (UVA), which penetrate deep into the skin and are known to promote aging but especially the development of skin cancers. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified UVA as a Group 1 carcinogen.“.
If using these lamps (which is still not recommended), it is recommended to apply a sunscreen with indicated UVA protection, approximately 20 minutes before exposing your hands to UV/LED lamps.