Sophia Delgado
Gel nail polish is a popular cosmetic treatment, but it can also be a source of skin irritation and allergic reactions. The chemicals in gel nail products can cause both immediate and delayed reactions, with symptoms ranging from redness and itching to blistering and nail lifting. While gel nails are not the only nail products that can cause issues, their growing popularity has led to an increase in reported allergies. Understanding the potential risks and taking preventive measures are crucial for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of gel nails while minimising the chances of developing allergies or other skin conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can gel nails cause dermatitis? | Yes |
| What type of dermatitis? | Contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis |
| What are the symptoms? | Redness, irritation, itching, swelling, blisters, inflammation, pain, onycholysis, peeling skin, burning, secondary nail infections |
| What causes it? | Allergic reactions to chemicals in gel nail products, such as acrylates, tosylamide formaldehyde resin, butyl acetate, colourants, methacrylates |
| How to treat it? | Stop using gel nail products, use hypoallergenic alternatives, topical corticosteroid creams, oral antihistamines |
| How to prevent it? | Choose the right products, use proper application techniques, avoid getting gel polish on the skin |
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What You'll Learn
Allergic reactions to gel nail products
Gel nail polish allergy is a serious issue, although it is more commonly associated with mild to moderate skin reactions. Allergic contact dermatitis can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, although this is rare. It is possible for gel nail polish allergies to develop suddenly, even if you have been using the product without any issues for a long time.
The main difference between traditional gel polish and gel extensions is their purpose and application. A gel manicure uses gel polish, which is in its liquid form until it is cured (hardened) under UV/LED light. Conversely, gel extensions are pre-hardened before application but require a second curing process to fuse them onto your nails. Uncured and undercured gel contain potential allergens, which are almost entirely used up during the curing process.
The chemical most responsible for allergic reactions to nail enamel is tosylamide formaldehyde resin. Allergic reactions can also be caused by wet or dried nail enamel, the solvent butyl acetate, and colourants. The strong solvents used in nail enamel removers, such as acetone, alcohol, and amyl, butyl, or ethyl acetate, can also cause irritant contact dermatitis.
Acrylic nails are a big contributing factor to contact dermatitis. Acrylic nail products can include a combination of chemicals known to cause allergic contact dermatitis, principally acrylate allergies. Liquid methacrylate acid esters are strong sensitisers and a cause of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis reactions. Benzoyl peroxide and hydroquinone are occasional allergens. Acrylates can cause two rare but very serious reactions: paraesthesias (tingling and prickling) and nail loss.
To prevent allergic reactions to gel nail polish, you can implement strategies such as choosing the right products and using proper application techniques. Look for gel nail polishes labelled as hypoallergenic, which are formulated to minimise the risk of allergic reactions.
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Irritant contact dermatitis
Occupational irritants can include wet work, detergents, solvents, acids, alkalis, adhesives, and metalworking fluids. Topical medications such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide may cause irritant contact dermatitis with long-term use. Friction, sweating, and heat are examples of environmental factors. Irritant contact dermatitis is often the result of the cumulative impact of multiple irritants.
The hands are the most common site of irritant contact dermatitis. It is caused by repeated exposure to irritants such as soaps, cleansers, and solvents. Although it is much more common, irritant contact dermatitis remains understudied compared to allergic contact dermatitis.
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Allergy prevention and treatment
Allergies to gel nail polish are common, and reactions can range from mild to severe. Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, blistering, and nail damage or loss. If you suspect an allergy, it is important to stop using the product immediately and consult a dermatologist or allergist.
Prevention:
To prevent an allergic reaction to gel nail polish, it is important to understand your personal sensitivities and take necessary precautions. Here are some tips to minimize the risk of developing an allergy:
- Before using a new gel nail polish, perform a patch test by applying a small amount to a small area of skin, such as the inside of your wrist or elbow, and wait 48 hours to check for any allergic reactions.
- Choose gel nail polishes labeled as hypoallergenic, which are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
- Wear gloves when doing tasks that can expose your nails to harsh chemicals.
- Maintain good nail and cuticle health by regularly moisturizing and protecting your nails from physical trauma.
Treatment:
If you experience an allergic reaction to gel nail polish, there are several treatment options available:
- Topical corticosteroid creams or ointments can reduce inflammation, redness, and itching. They should be prescribed by a healthcare provider and used as directed.
- Oral antihistamines are effective at reducing itching and swelling associated with allergic reactions and may be required if the reaction spreads beyond the skin surrounding the nails.
- Allergy shots, which involve injecting small amounts of an allergen into the body over time to desensitize the immune system, may be recommended for severe allergic contact dermatitis that has not responded to other treatments.
- Discontinuing the use of the offending gel nail polish is crucial. If you are unsure which product is causing the reaction, a patch test can help identify the allergen.
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Chemicals in gel nail products
The chemicals in gel nail products can cause allergic reactions and contact dermatitis. The specific chemicals that have been identified as allergens include tosylamide formaldehyde resin, butyl acetate, colourants, methylacrylates, methacrylates, acrylates, and formaldehyde. These chemicals can be found in both the gel nail polish itself and the nail enamel remover.
Tosylamide formaldehyde resin, also known as toluenesulfonamide formaldehyde resin, is a common ingredient in nail enamel that can cause allergic contact dermatitis. A study by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) found that this chemical was the seventh most common ingredient causing allergic contact dermatitis in patients with cosmetic allergies. While free formaldehyde may be found in tosylamide formaldehyde resin, most people who react to this resin do not have a formaldehyde allergy.
Butyl acetate is a strong solvent used in nail enamel removers, and it can also cause contact dermatitis. These solvents are mixed with fatty materials such as cetyl alcohol, lanolin, castor oil, or synthetic oils to strip the nail enamel from the nail plate surface. The high solvent concentration in these removers can irritate and dry the nail plate and surrounding skin, leading to nail dryness and brittleness if used excessively.
Methylacrylates, methacrylates, and acrylates are also identified as allergens in gel nail polish. Methylacrylates can cause contact dermatitis, with symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. Methacrylates are skin irritants and sensitisers, and people can develop serious allergies to them over time. Acrylates are used in medical products like bone cement, dental fillings, and diabetic insulin pumps, so an allergy to acrylates can have significant implications.
Formaldehyde is another chemical that can cause allergic contact dermatitis. It is a preservative that has been recognised as a potential cancer-causing substance by the National Cancer Institute. Some nail polish brands market themselves as "five-free," which means they do not contain formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, or camphor—all of which are known to cause allergic contact dermatitis.
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Allergic reactions to nail enamel
The chemical most responsible for allergic reactions to nail enamel is tosylamide formaldehyde resin, also called toluenesulfonamide formaldehyde resin. A study by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) found that this chemical was the seventh most common ingredient causing allergic contact dermatitis in patients with a cosmetic allergy. An allergic reaction is most commonly due to wet nail enamel, but some patients may also react to dried enamel.
Other reported causes of dermatitis to nail enamels include an allergy to the solvent butyl acetate and discolouration of the nail surface (especially around the cuticles) caused by colourants. Nail varnish used as a barrier against nickel allergy can also cause sensitisation.
The strong solvents used in nail enamel removers include acetone, alcohol, and amyl, butyl, or ethyl acetate. They are mixed with fatty materials such as cetyl alcohol, lanolin (wool alcohols), castor oil, or other synthetic oils. They may irritate and dry the nail plate and surrounding skin. If used excessively, they can cause nail dryness and brittleness.
To prevent allergic reactions to gel nail polish, you can implement strategies such as choosing the right products and using proper application techniques. Look for gel nail polishes labelled as hypoallergenic, which are formulated to minimise the risk of allergic reactions. It is also vital to use the correct UV lamp for gel polishes, as using the wrong lamp can mean the gel polish doesn't cure properly, increasing the risk of allergies.
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Frequently asked questions
Dermatitis is a common skin disorder caused by allergic reactions to numerous chemicals.
Yes, gel nails can cause allergic and irritant contact dermatitis reactions. The principal culprits are acrylate allergies, caused by the chemical components in these items.
Symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, blistering, and inflammation. In rare cases, individuals can experience more widespread symptoms.
Immediately stop using gel nail polishes and any other nail products that contain the identified allergens. Topical corticosteroid creams or ointments can reduce inflammation, redness, and itching.
To prevent allergic reactions, choose the right products and use proper application techniques. Look for gel nail polishes labelled as hypoallergenic, which are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
