The hidden dangers of your manicure: How nail polish can damage your health and who should avoid it

Many women regard painted nails as an essential part of their feminine image. To them, lacquered nails are as significant as daily skin moisturization. They see a polished look and express their style through their nails' deep color, perfect shape, and glossy finish. However, beneath the guise of beautiful hues, nails can suffer damage that is not only visible but also tangible.

Classic nail polishes are the safest options for manicure and pedicure enthusiasts. The color of the polish also plays a crucial role - the darker it is and the more difficult it is to remove, the more damaging it can be to the nail plate. Long-lasting polishes, which tend to stay on the nails for an extended period, often require acetone-based removers. This can not only dehydrate the plate but potentially seep into the nail bed as well.

While hybrid polishes are generally considered safe, they should be used sparingly. The chemicals in these polishes can permeate the body. The heating of the previously filed plate under UV lamps can lead to severe and hazardous consequences such as weakened, brittle, yellowed, and crumbling nails.

Some individuals should abstain from painting their nails. This includes those dealing with recurrent fingertip inflammation. Nail polishes are also discouraged for people battling fungal and yeast infections on the nails, as moisture build-up around the nail can encourage microbial growth. Those planning to undergo surgery should remove hybrid nail polishes, as their thick layer can obstruct the transmission of optical waves and impede the measurement of blood oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter.

Further, people with allergies to substances in polishes, those with splitting nail plates, and individuals suffering from vitiligo should also avoid painting their nails. The same goes for children.