Over recent years it has become more and more popular for people to undergo cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance. Whilst cosmetic products, surgery and treatments have many benefits and are often viewed as luxuries, they do not come without health and safety risks. In fact, cosmetic injury claims are becoming increasingly common as a result of complications that can arise from these treatments, such as gel nail polish allergies.
According to a recent article published by the BBC, a great number of people are developing and suffering from life-changing acrylic and gel nail polish allergies. This issue has caught the attention of health professionals, who are warning the public of the dangers associated with the misuse or overuse of these products and urging consumers to seek treatments from qualified technicians.
What are cosmetic injury claims?
A cosmetic injury claim can be made by anyone who has sustained an injury or suffered with complications as a direct result of a cosmetic procedure. Depending on the treatment the claimant received, possible injuries could include scarring, burns, disfigurement and nerve damage. Cosmetic injuries can often affect a person psychologically too, particularly if an injury is somewhere on the body that is visible and difficult to cover up, such as the face. This can significantly impact a person’s self-confidence and in some cases may lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
Why are gel nail polish allergies on the rise?
There are several reasons why gel nail polish allergies are on the rise. The first being that the number of procedures performed on a daily basis has increased dramatically over the years, meaning more people have gradually been exposed to the risks associated with them.
Secondly, there have been a vast number of unsafe practices and procedures carried out by unqualified technicians, due to the lack of regulation in the cosmetic industry. In addition, there are many cosmetic brands that continue to manufacture and retail ‘DIY’ products and equipment for people to purchase on the internet, in order to achieve professional results at home for a fraction of the price.
Whilst the idea of saving your pennies can be quite compelling, it doesn’t take more than 5 minutes and a quick web search to find horror stories of DIY treatments gone wrong… hair loss from bleaching, lumpy Botox, laser burns, you name it! A more recent concern getting a lot of press however, has been gel nail polish allergies.
What causes these allergic reactions?
Gel nail polish allergies can be caused by a variety of factors. Some people may experience a reaction from the UV light which is used to cure the gel nail polish. Which can result in symptoms like redness, itching and swelling around the nails. You may also develop blisters or sores across your fingers or hands.
There are growing concerns over the sharp rise in gel nail polish allergies to the chemical found within the polishes themselves, known as methacrylate, which can seep into surrounding skin and cause the nail to loosen or fall off. The effects of this type of allergy can be life-changing, as those who suffer from it often develop an intolerance to the chemical, which is used routinely in dental procedures, joint replacement surgery as well as some diabetes medications.
What can I do if I have developed gel nail polish allergies?
Allergic reactions should always be treated seriously, especially if you do not know the cause, as it is likely that you will not know the extent of reaction you will have. If you notice any unusual symptoms following the use of cosmetics or having a treatment, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor will be able to help relieve your symptoms and help determine the reason behind your gel nail polish allergies. You may be prescribed medication or be advised to avoid the use of gel nail polish altogether.
In order to prevent gel nail polish allergies, there are a few steps you can take yourself. Make sure to choose high-quality products from reputable brands, research the company, read reviews and consider the ingredients, you should look for polishes that are labelled as hypoallergenic or free from harsh chemicals.
If you have sustained gel nail polish allergies following treatment, it is important that you seek legal advice at the earliest convenience. You will need to prove that the technician who performed your procedure was negligent in their duty of care towards you, by failing to provide a safe service resulting in injury. A personal injury lawyer can determine whether you have a valid cosmetic injury claim, help you to gather evidence in support of it, as well as guide you through the claims process.
How can Stonehewer Moss Solicitors help?
At Stonehewer Moss Solicitors, we have a highly skilled team of Northwich solicitors who have gained accreditation from the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). Our solicitors are committed to ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation that you are entitled to.
We offer a complimentary, no-obligation consultation, and impartial legal representation based on a No Win, No Fee basis, providing you with complete reassurance. Our aim is to support you throughout the legal proceedings, ensuring that you have a smooth experience while achieving the best possible outcome.
To learn more about No Win No Fee claims, watch this short video.
Talk to our claims solicitor
Call us on freephone 0800 434 6544 or 01606 87 22 00
Email us at info@stonehewermoss.co.uk
