Caleb Foster
Gel nail polish is a popular nail product, but it can also be a source of skin irritation and allergies. Contact dermatitis is a common issue that can arise from using gel nail polish, and it can be caused by various factors, including the chemicals and ingredients in the polish, such as acrylates, formaldehyde resins, and methacrylates. This can result in symptoms like redness, swelling, blistering, and dry, bumpy skin. The risk of developing an allergy increases with frequent use, and individuals with existing sensitivities may be more susceptible. Treatment options include removing the polish, using topical steroids, and opting for hypoallergenic alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can gel nail polish cause contact dermatitis? | Yes |
| Common symptoms | Redness, itching, swelling, blisters, cracked skin, peeling skin, rash, discolouration of the nail plate |
| Recommended course of action | Remove the polish or extensions, wash hands thoroughly, apply topical steroids to reduce inflammation |
| Prevention | Choose the right products, use proper application techniques, opt for hypoallergenic products |
| Underlying causes | Allergy to acrylates, methacrylates, tosylamide formaldehyde resin, camphor, dibutyl phthalate, solvents such as toluene or alcohol, dyes |
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What You'll Learn
Symptoms of contact dermatitis caused by gel nail polish
Contact dermatitis caused by gel nail polish can present itself through various symptoms. One of the earliest and most common symptoms is itchy skin around the nails. The skin around the nails may also become red and irritated due to direct contact with the allergen. In more severe cases, the skin may swell, and blisters may form, indicating acute dermatitis. Additionally, the skin under the nail may start to peel, and the fingertips or pads may become itchy.
Another symptom of contact dermatitis caused by gel nail polish is nail plate discolouration, which occurs with the long-term use of coloured nail enamels, especially deep red nail polishes containing D&C Reds No. 6, 7, and 34. The nail plate may turn yellow after 7 days of continuous wear, and the staining typically fades within 14 days of removing the enamel.
Some individuals may also experience secondary nail infections as a result of contact dermatitis caused by gel nail polish. These infections can include conditions such as paronychia, onycholysis, onychia, and severe and prolonged paraesthesia. These secondary infections can be extremely painful, long-lasting, and debilitating.
It is important to note that if you suspect an allergic reaction to gel nail polish, you should remove the polish or extensions unless you are experiencing a severe reaction, in which case, you should seek medical advice to prevent infection.
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Treatment for contact dermatitis caused by gel nail polish
Once the gel nail polish has been removed, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly. To minimize the risk of further irritation, an ointment containing petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, can be applied to help reduce dryness, redness, or sensitivity.
Contact dermatitis can be treated with topical steroids to help reduce inflammation, itching, and redness. It is also beneficial to use an occlusive barrier ointment or moisturizing cream to minimize dryness and further irritation.
If the reaction is painful, inflamed, and affecting the skin around the nails, steroid injections may be required. In rare cases of a full-body reaction, oral antihistamines and oral steroids may be necessary.
To prevent contact dermatitis caused by gel nail polish, it is important to be cautious when applying and removing the gel polish. Avoid allowing uncured gel to come into contact with the skin, and always wash your hands thoroughly after your manicure and clean-up. Additionally, it is recommended to use the same brand of curing lamp as your gel polish, as not all lights will cure all gels.
If you suspect an allergy to gel nail polish, it is advised to consult a dermatologist and discontinue the use of gel nail polish altogether.
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Prevention of contact dermatitis caused by gel nail polish
Gel nail polishes can cause contact dermatitis, with symptoms including itchy, peeling skin, swelling, redness, blisters, cracked skin, and nail plate discolouration. If you suspect that you are experiencing contact dermatitis, you should remove the polish or extensions, unless you are experiencing a severe reaction, in which case you should see a physician.
To prevent contact dermatitis caused by gel nail polish, you can take the following measures:
- Choose the right products: Look for gel nail polishes labelled as hypoallergenic, which are formulated to minimise the risk of allergic reactions.
- Use proper application techniques: Ensure that your nail salon is using the product they claim to be using.
- Apply an ointment: Applying an ointment containing petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, may help to reduce any potential dryness, redness, or sensitivity.
- Use protective gloves: If you are a nail technician, you can reduce the risk of developing contact dermatitis by using protective glove materials such as nitrile and double-gloving when working with products containing methacrylate.
- Get tested: If you suspect that you are allergic to a specific ingredient, you can get an acrylates test by a dermatologist to determine which ingredient you are allergic to. Once you know, you can look for brands that don't contain it.
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Removal of gel nail polish
Gel nail polish can cause contact dermatitis, with symptoms including itchy fingertips, and skin peeling under the nail. If you suspect an allergic reaction to your gel manicure, it is important to remove the polish or extensions as soon as possible, unless you are experiencing a severe reaction, in which case you should seek medical advice.
There are several methods for removing gel nail polish, with the traditional method involving the use of acetone. Firstly, it is recommended to work on one hand at a time, due to the difficulty of applying acetone to both sets of nails simultaneously. To begin, use a coarse nail file to file down the gel top coat until the surface is no longer shiny and smooth. Then, tear off 10 pieces of aluminium foil, big enough to cover each fingertip. If using cotton balls, tear off 10 pieces that fit just the nail bed of each nail. Next, soak the cotton balls in acetone and place them on top of the nails, before wrapping the nails with plastic food wrap to create a tight seal. Leave the plastic wrap on for 10 minutes, then remove it and gently rub off any remaining polish with a wet washcloth. Finally, wash your hands with a gentle soap and water to remove the acetone.
An alternative method is to use a gel nail polish remover, which is faster and simpler, requiring fewer tools and causing less damage to your nails. To use this method, file down the top coat layer as described above, then apply a thick layer of gel polish remover to your gel nails, being careful not to get it on your skin. After 5 minutes, the edges of the gel polish should start to peel, crack, bubble, or burst. If your gel polish is thick, you may need to wait a little longer. Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push the gel polish off each nail, then clean your nails with a nail buffer.
If you are not in a hurry, another option is to simply let your nails grow out, clipping them once a week to help prevent the nails from catching on clothing and other objects. This method takes about six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
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Allergy testing for gel nail polish
Allergic reactions to gel nail polish are typically caused by chemicals such as methacrylates, acrylates, oligomers, monomers, photoinitiators, pigments, dyes, additives, and solvents. These chemicals can cause both immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions, resulting in contact dermatitis. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to gel nail polish may include redness, swelling, itching, and nail changes.
If you suspect an allergy to gel nail polish, it is important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, for proper diagnosis and treatment. One common method of diagnosing a gel nail polish allergy is through patch testing. This involves applying small patches containing potential allergens to unaffected skin and observing any reactions over the next 48 hours. After this period, a healthcare professional will examine the skin for signs of an allergic reaction.
It is important to note that if you are experiencing a severe reaction, such as extreme pain, oozing, or cracked skin, you should refrain from removing the polish yourself and seek medical attention to prevent infection. In cases of mild reactions, it is recommended to seek assistance from a trained professional for safe removal and to avoid further irritation.
Once diagnosed with a gel nail polish allergy, treatment options may include discontinuing the use of gel nail polish and opting for hypoallergenic alternatives. Topical corticosteroid creams or ointments can also help reduce inflammation, redness, and itching.
To prevent an allergic reaction to gel nail polish, it is crucial to ensure that the product is applied carefully, avoiding contact with the skin. Additionally, it is important to choose reputable nail salons that use trusted products and follow proper application techniques.
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Frequently asked questions
Contact dermatitis is a type of allergic reaction that presents as red, swollen, blistered, dry, and bumpy skin. It can be caused by exposure to allergens or irritants in nail polish, such as acrylates, formaldehyde resins, and dyes.
Symptoms of contact dermatitis caused by gel nail polish include itching, redness, and swelling of the skin around the nails. In rare cases, individuals may experience more widespread symptoms. If you suspect an allergy, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider for testing and treatment.
If you are experiencing a mild reaction, it is recommended to remove the gel nail polish immediately. This can be done using an acetone wipe followed by soap and water, or with a cotton ball saturated in isopropyl alcohol. Applying ointments containing petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, can help reduce dryness, redness, and sensitivity. For more severe reactions, it is important to consult a physician to prevent infection and manage symptoms.
To prevent contact dermatitis, it is recommended to choose gel nail polishes labeled as hypoallergenic, which are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Additionally, proper application techniques and the use of protective gloves can help minimize the risk of developing an allergy.
