It might be hard to believe, but your nails can say a lot about overall health. That’s why many doctors will begin an exam by looking at a patient’s hands. Similarly, the health and appearance of your eyelashes can provide clues about underlying health issues and the impact of cosmetic practices. This article delves into the intricate relationship between your eyelashes and nails and your overall well-being, exploring potential health risks associated with cosmetic enhancements and offering guidance on maintaining their natural beauty and strength.
Your nails are more than just a canvas for pretty polish-they can also be a window into your overall health. Subtle changes in nail texture, color, and shape can sometimes indicate underlying health conditions.
Most nails have a white half-moon shape at the base, just above the cuticle, called a lunula. A change in color or size of the lunula may indicate an underlying disease such as chronic renal failure or congestive heart failure. Lunula with a blueish tint could suggest Wilson’s disease, a rare inherited genetic disorder in which copper accumulates in the liver, brain, and other organs. A red lunula may indicate heart failure. An abnormal nail shape and nail surface can also signal a health issue. For example, nails that are dimpled or pitted can point to psoriasis, a chronic skin disease. If you notice a dark-colored streak that runs the length of the nail, it could be melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. If your nails have an indented horizontal line, that could signify that you experienced a severe illness or sustained an injury or shock to your system that caused the nails to stop growing temporarily. Nails with a blue hue can be a warning sign of COVID-19, caused by low levels of oxygen in the blood. Nails with a yellow discoloration can result from a few different health issues. Fungal infections can turn the nails yellow, though this is more common in toenails than fingernails. If you notice a change in your nail health, contact your local board-certified dermatologist to evaluate and determine the root cause of your concern.
Here’s a breakdown of what different nail appearances might suggest:
Pale or White Nails
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Yellow Nails
Blue or Purple Nails
Brittle or Cracked Nails
Spoon-Shaped Nails (Koilonychia)
Horizontal Ridges (Beau’s Lines)
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Clubbing
White Spots
Occasional nail changes are often harmless, especially if they result from everyday activities. However, persistent changes-especially when paired with other symptoms-should be evaluated by a medical professional. While nail health isn’t a diagnostic tool on its own, it can provide helpful clues about what’s going on inside your body.
The use of artificial nail tips in professional manicure services and the application of false eyelashes are a growing trend among young women. Often, this “beauty routine” is performed at home without the supervision of an expert beautician, raising health problems due to either the spillage of these products or to accidental exposure to children.
Lash extensions have become wildly popular, promising fuller, longer lashes without the hassle of mascara. But here’s the shocking truth: getting lash extensions at nail salons could be putting your eyes, lashes, and overall health at serious risk. What most people don’t realize is that not all lash extension services are created equal. Nail salons often offer them at bargain prices, but these low-cost options may come with hidden dangers that could cost you far more in the long run.
Read also: Are Lash Extensions Bad for Your Lashes?
Let’s break down the real risks of getting lash extensions done at non-specialized places like nail salons:
Eye Infections
Unsterile tools and improper sanitation are breeding grounds for bacteria. Eye infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye), swollen eyelids, and styes are not uncommon when lash extensions are applied in environments that don’t follow strict hygiene protocols.
Lash Loss
Improper technique, overloading lashes with glue, or attaching lashes to the skin rather than the lash line can lead to traction alopecia, a condition that causes your natural lashes to fall out. Sometimes, this damage can be permanent.
Toxic Lash Glue
One of the most dangerous components used in cheap lash extensions is low-quality adhesive, often containing formaldehyde - a known carcinogen and irritant. This can trigger allergic reactions, chemical burns, and chronic eye discomfort.
While it might seem like you're saving money by choosing lash extensions at nail salons, what you're really doing is gambling with your eye health. Nail salons are not licensed medical or lash-focused professionals. Most do not receive the specialized training required for safe, precise, and hygienic lash applications.
Concerning nail glue, also sold as false eyelash glue, its composition is mainly based on a mixture of alcohol, cyanoacrylate, or photo-bonded methacrylate. When the pre-polymer composed of formaldehyde and alkyl cyanoacetate is depolymerized, the liquid monomer of cyanoacrylate is obtained. In the presence of water or in contact with hydroxyl groups (-OH), cyanoacrylate rapidly polymerizes, forming long and strong chains responsible for bonding; its side chains are also responsible for its property and different uses, and indeed, many different forms of cyanoacrylate exist as medical-grade glues used for oculoplastics, skin closure, and other surgical procedures. The longer the chain compounds, the slower it degrades, with lower reactivity and toxicity. The recent fashionable trend of performing an acrylic nail manicure at home is gaining popularity, and acrylic tips and nail glue (sold separately or in kits) can be easily purchased in cosmetics outlets or online by non-professionally trained individuals. The main component of adhesives is cyanoacrylate, which, when in contact with moisture, produces an exothermic reaction that in the presence of cotton fibres rich in -OH residues (as in jeans or leggings or t-shirts), could make holes in clothes, and even cause them to catch fire. To avoid these accidents, in some (but not all) cyanoacrylate glue safety data sheets, it is suggested to prevent contact with fabric and cellulose (e.g., cotton material). Despite pH possibly being considered as a relevant parameter in this type of injury, it is important to underline that the exothermic reaction produced during the monomers’ polymerization is mainly responsible for these burns.
A study reviewed the Pavia Poison Control Centre clinical records to identify the frequency, the most common route of exposure, and the possible risks associated with nail and false eyelash glue exposure to support the decision-making process in emergency departments. From January 2007 to April 2020, 42 patients were identified. Among the patients, 76% presented symptoms from mild to severe, while 24% were asymptomatic. The most common route of exposure was dermal, through cutaneous contact, as determined for 19 patients involved. Among these, seven patients presented with second-degree chemical burns, cutaneous erythema, and ocular symptoms. The most dangerous glue component was cyanoacrylate, leading to symptoms in 16 out of 22 patients, while three cases remained asymptomatic. Even if this exposure is relatively rare, nail and false eyelash glue can be seriously harmful, especially when exposure occurs via dermal or ocular routes. In the case of emergency, it is important to treat the patient as fast as possible to limit the damage caused by a burn.
For all patients, PCC physician toxicologists suggested treating the lesions symptomatically. Cutaneous chemical burns were firstly well-rinsed with saline sterile solution, and then treated with topical antimicrobial unguent (silver sulfadiazine). If needed, the patient underwent surgical wound toilet of the lesion (case #12). If vitrified residues of glue were present, the proposed approach was to gently remove them with petroleum jelly oil. In two/three days, the residue will usually naturally detach from the skin or mucosae. If the exposure was via ingestion or an oral route, through buccal contact, oral gastroprotection (e.g., magnesium/sodium alginate, magaldrate) was prescribed. When exposure occurred via the ocular route, the symptomatic approach became more complicated due to the fragility and sensitivity of the eye tissues. Thus, PCC physicians suggested rinsing the eye for a long time (at least 30 min) with saline sterile solution, trying to remove the glue with a cotton swab soaked with petroleum jelly oil, but not forcing the opening of the eyelids if glued together. If the eyelashes were tightly glued together, the suggested approach was to cut them and verify whether the eyelids could move. In the most severe cases (case #33), when the eyelids were totally glued to the eyeball, an ophthalmic consultation with a specialist was required.
In the case series examined, the paediatric population represents the most involved category in the above reported exposures. As cosmetics are not perceived as being hazardous to our health, parents often leave them within children’s reach. Nevertheless, as demonstrated by the reported case study, it is essential to carefully consider the possible occurrence of accidental spillage and dropping of glue as a part of the normal and foreseeable condition of product use. It follows that even beauticians and adult women, when applying or wearing nail tips or false eyelashes, may be considered at risk, both in terms of the documented allergic reaction to these products after long-lasting use or inhalation, as well as for the punctual hazard during the single beauty procedure.
From lotions and moisturizers to conditioners and argan oil to nail-growth polish and supplements, money spent on products to promote shiny hair, supple skin and sturdy nails can add up fast. Diet is a major factor in the condition of your hair, skin and nails. If you're on point with your nutrition, natural beauty can follow. When you're getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals every day, your body will function better. Though you should be getting the right amount of vitamins, minerals and water every day, your body functions at its best. That can lead to hydrated skin, shiny hair and strong nails. If you're already eating a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, you shouldn't need pricey supplements. While supplements are necessary for some, they're not for everyone. One mistake is consuming too much of one vitamin or taking unnecessary supplements. Your body gets rid of excess vitamins and minerals, leading to money wasted on unneeded nutrients. Also, taking too much of one vitamin or mineral may deplete another. Zinc and copper are prime examples. Research shows those taking extra zinc often leads to a loss of copper, a mineral important in bone health. Healthy fats lock moisture into your hair, skin and nails. Lacking essential nutrients can not only prevent you from gaining radiant hair, skin and nails, but also can worsen their current condition. The calories from carbohydrates produce energy for vital organs and tissues. When carbs are drastically reduced, the body may not have enough energy to support hair growth. Keep a balanced diet by eating a variety of foods to supply the healthy fats, carbs, protein, vitamins and minerals your body needs every day.
It’s no secret that today’s beauty standards are incredibly demanding, often pushing people to go to great lengths to achieve a certain look. Fake eyelashes and nails have become almost synonymous with being “beautiful,” making it easy to feel inadequate without them. However, the best non-toxic solution isn’t found in a bottle or a package but within you. True beauty begins with self-acceptance. It’s crucial to look in the mirror and acknowledge your own beauty, free from the influence of societal pressures and the unrealistic standards perpetuated online. The more you affirm your worth and beauty, the less you’ll feel the need to rely on toxic products to feel good about yourself.
So, the next time you’re tempted to reach for those fake lashes or nails, take a moment to consider the potential harm they could be causing. Instead, opt for natural alternatives that enhance your beauty without compromising your health. Castor oil for your lashes, regular nail care, and, most importantly, self-love are all you need to shine. You don’t need toxic chemicals to be beautiful. Your true beauty lies in your natural self, and it’s time to embrace it.
tags: #eyelashes #and #nails #health
