Final answer:
Nail dehydrator should be applied only to the natural nail plate to enhance adhesion of nail products, and it's important to avoid the skin. Nails are mainly composed of keratin, a protein that strengthens them. Physicians require polish removal pre-surgery for better monitoring of oxygenation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nail dehydrators are designed to remove moisture and oils from the natural nail plate to improve adhesion of nail products like polish, gels, or acrylics. It's important to only apply it to the natural nail plate because if used on the skin or cuticle, it can cause dryness and irritation. Nails are made up of a protein known as keratin, which is the same protein that's found in hair and the outer layer of skin.
This protein is what gives the nail its strength and resilience. Incorrect care of nails, including cutting the cuticle or using products with toxic chemicals like dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, and formaldehyde, can damage the nail and surrounding skin. Physicians often require that nail polish be removed before surgery to allow for better visualization of the nail bed, as this can be an important indicator of oxygenation in the body during and after the procedure.