chemicals and my nails - Nail Problems Message Board

dillfy2000 · 09-09-2007, 03:56 PM

hi, i was recently employed at a hazardous waste disposal plant, and i empty allot of chemicals from containers thats have been sifted through landfills, the majority of the chemicals that i work with are are usually that of what farmers use on there crops, IE: pesticides, fungicides etc....

After my first day of work, i noticed lots of pressure under my finger nails (my 3 center fingers, on both hands), it felt as if i had just hit my fingers with a hammer.

I tried to ignore it thinking that it was normal, and i would get used to it, but 3 days later, my nails have become filled with blood (dark purple under my nails) and looks and feels as if they are separating from my fingers ( also a few other symptoms like all day nausea and lung discomfort, i do have asthma).

I asked one of the workers if they have ever seen this before and replied with a "nope".

i wear work gloves when i work.

So why would i have this problem, Could it be an allergic reaction?

Marti · 09-10-2007, 06:02 AM

If you were wearing the proper gloves for the type of work you were doing, I seriously doubt if the chemicals would have gotten under your nails. Since you say you have hematoma on those nails, it is more than likely due to excessive pressure on the nails from the way you were using your hands. Hematoma can allow the nail plate to separate from the nail bed depending on the severity of the hematoma.

As for your 'lungs', breathing these chemicals may not be the best thing for you and you probably should have been wearing a respirator or mask. I suggest a trip to your doctor.

dillfy2000 · 09-10-2007, 07:14 AM

i do wear proper gloves, and respirators are required, i don't put allot of pressure on my fingers at work.

From my research, i found that some chemicals in a nail salon have the same effect (in rare cases), i could be handling the same chemicals, i honestly have a big list of chemicals that i handle and i don't even know what allot of them are.

i am seeing a doctor today, so maybe i could get some answers.

Thanx marti.

dillfy2000 · 09-10-2007, 09:56 AM

Well, i made a hole in one of my nails to relieve the pressure, but instead of blood coming out, a clear liquid started to pour out, it has a sour odor to it (pretty gross i know), is this normal?

Edit: i looked it up, and the clear liquid is normal, blood and puss started to come out 5 mins later

Marti · 09-10-2007, 07:24 PM

That's a hematoma or a nail bruise and yes, that is normal for this problem.

As for the chemicals in nail salons, they are all made from the same family of acrylates, but the exposure levels are VERY low compared to chemical processing plants that work with acrylates.

Somehow, you are bruising your nails while you work and you need to figure out what it is you are doing. By all means, see your doctor!