Airborne contact dermatitis and asthma in a nail art operator

Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2014 Jan;27(1):137-40. doi: 10.2478/s13382-014-0226-3. Epub 2014 Jan 31.

Abstract

Nail art (creation and decoration of artificial nails) is a growing fashion trend. Proportionally to its popularity, the number of allergic reactions to the materials used has recently increased. We report the case of a nail art operator who developed occupational allergy to acrylates, manifested with the unusual simultaneous presence of asthma and dermatitis. Cutaneous lesions only affected areas not covered by individual protection devices or clothes, even if such areas were not in direct contact with acrylates, suggesting airborne allergic contact dermatitis. While respiratory problems were solved with the correct use of a mask at the workplace, facial dermatitis proved impossible to avoid or control and, for this reason, the patient had to change her work.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acrylates / toxicity*
  • Adult
  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / toxicity*
  • Asthma, Occupational / chemically induced*
  • Beauty Culture*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Facial Dermatoses / chemically induced*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Nails

Substances

  • Acrylates
  • Air Pollutants, Occupational