Ava Monroe
Gel manicures and acrylic nails are commonplace in fashion, but these popular accessories come with health risks. From nail glue to formaldehyde, there are many substances to be cautious of. While manicures might feel like self-care, they can ruin healthy natural nails and might even cause unexpected health problems in a small number of people. One of the adverse effects of gel nails is eye irritation, which can occur due to allergic reactions to the various chemicals in gel nail products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allergic reaction | Immediate or delayed |
| Symptoms | Persistent swollen, red, itchy eyes, rashes on eyelids, skin irritation, burning, splitting, white spots, grooves, changes to the nail plate, weakened nails, nail damage, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, asthma-like attacks, loss of smell, difficulty breathing, dermatitis, pseudo-psoriatic nails, allergic reactions, and more |
| Causes | Exposure to UV rays, chemicals such as acrylates, methacrylates, methyl acrylate, monomers, photoinitiators, alcohol, cyanoacrylate, photo-bonded methacrylate, and formaldehyde |
| Prevention | Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen during manicures or pedicures, wear open gloves or socks, keep nails bare for at least 1-2 weeks between manicures, perform a patch test, follow manufacturer's instructions, seek professional help for removal |
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What You'll Learn
Allergic reactions to gel nails
Gel nail polish can cause allergic reactions, with symptoms ranging from mild skin irritation to persistent swollen, red, and itchy eyes. In rare cases, an allergic reaction can cause the wearer to permanently lose their fingernails.
Gel nail products contain various chemicals, including acrylates and methacrylates, which are known skin sensitizers. These ingredients can cause immediate contact dermatitis or a delayed hypersensitivity reaction if absorbed into the skin. Other potential allergens in gel polish formulas include methyl acrylate, nitrocellulose, tosylamide formaldehyde, camphor, dibutyl phthalate, and solvents such as acetone or dyes.
The British Association of Dermatologists reported a significant increase in patients with allergic contact dermatitis due to DIY gel nails, calling it an "allergy epidemic." The risk of an allergic reaction is higher with at-home gel kits as these products are not tightly regulated, and individuals may not have the proper training to apply them safely.
To avoid an allergic reaction, it is crucial to prevent gel polish from coming into contact with the skin. If an allergy occurs, it can manifest not only on the skin but also on other parts of the body that the hands touch, such as the eyelids, neck, and chin. This is because individuals tend to touch their faces and eyes frequently throughout the day, and the skin in these areas is thin and sensitive.
To prevent and manage gel nail allergies:
- Perform a patch test before using any gel nail product to identify potential allergens.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions diligently when applying or removing gel nails at home.
- Allow the nails to breathe and strengthen between manicures by keeping them bare for at least one to two weeks.
- Seek professional help for the safe removal of gel nails to minimize nail damage.
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Skin irritation and dermatitis
Gel nail polish can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. The chemicals in gel nail products can cause allergic reactions, including skin irritation and contact dermatitis. These reactions can be immediate or delayed.
Gel nail polish contains various chemicals, including methacrylates and acrylates, which can cause skin irritation such as hives and contact dermatitis. Other potential allergens in gel polish formulas include methyl acrylate, an acrylic compound that can cause skin irritation known as contact dermatitis, nitrocellulose, tosylamide formaldehyde, camphor, dibutyl phthalate, and solvents such as acetone or dyes. These ingredients are known to be skin sensitizers, which means that if they are absorbed into the skin, they may cause an allergy.
The allergic reaction can sometimes cause the wearer to permanently lose their fingernails. It is important to note that a reaction can appear elsewhere on the body, such as the eyelids and neck, due to people touching these areas with their nails. The rash can occur wherever the chemical allergen comes into contact with the skin. As we touch our eye area multiple times a day, and the skin in this area is thin and sensitive, skin allergies to nail products often show up in the eye area.
To avoid health risks, it is recommended to stick to natural nail care and avoid gel/acrylic nails. Additionally, it is important to visit a professional for the safe removal of gel nails, as the removal process is when nail damage is most common.
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Loss of smell and asthma-like attacks
While gel nails are commonplace in fashion, they come with certain health risks. The nail glue used to attach acrylics to natural nails often contains formaldehyde, which can cause asthma-like attacks and allergic reactions. In fact, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.
Formaldehyde is not the only chemical present in nail salons that can be dangerous to customers and workers. Other chemicals in nail adhesives and products can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, and even burns.
The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) issued a warning about nail gel polishes in 2018, stating that they were causing an "epidemic" of contact allergies. This warning was based on a study that found that 2.4% of people tested had an allergy to at least one type of methacrylate chemical. These chemicals can seep into the skin and cause an allergic reaction, with symptoms including nails becoming loosened from the nail bed and the skin around the nails developing a severe rash. In some cases, the allergic reaction can cause the wearer to permanently lose their fingernails.
To avoid these health risks, it is recommended to stick to natural nail care and leave gel and acrylic nails behind. When removing gel nails, it is best to visit a professional as the removal process is the most common time to experience nail damage.
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Exposure to UV rays
The use of UV lamps in gel manicures has raised questions about the possible link to skin cancer and premature ageing. However, it's important to note that the exposure time during the curing process is relatively short, typically lasting only a few minutes per session. As a result, the risk of developing skin cancer or experiencing premature ageing due solely to gel manicures is considered low.
Nevertheless, it is still advisable to take precautions to minimise potential harm. Experts recommend wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen on the hands and fingers before the curing process to provide an additional protective layer. Wearing gloves with the fingertips cut off or using socks for pedicures can also shield the skin from UV exposure during the curing process.
It is worth mentioning that the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) reported an increase in allergic contact dermatitis cases related to gel manicures in 2018. This was attributed to the chemical formula of UV gel polishes, which contains known allergens that can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious and aware of any potential reactions, as the consequences can range from skin irritation to more severe allergic responses.
In summary, while the risk of skin cancer or premature ageing due to UV exposure during gel manicures is low, it is always beneficial to take precautionary measures. By following expert recommendations and being vigilant about potential allergens, you can minimise the chances of experiencing any adverse effects from UV exposure during the gel nail curing process.
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Safe removal of gel nails
While gel manicures are commonplace in fashion, they can come with health risks and may cause nail damage, especially during the removal process. Therefore, it is important to take precautions to ensure the safe removal of gel nails.
One way to safely remove gel nails at home is by using acetone. First, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect your skin from the acetone. Then, cut cotton balls or strips to the size of each nail. Soak each piece of cotton in acetone and place them on top of the respective nails. Finally, wrap the nails with plastic food wrap or aluminium foil to create a tight seal and leave it on for about 10-15 minutes. After removing the wrap, gently rub off any remaining polish with a wet washcloth. Wash your hands with a gentle, fragrance-free soap and water to remove the acetone. To reduce any irritation caused by the acetone, gently rub petroleum jelly into your cuticles and the skin around your nails for the next seven days.
Alternatively, you can let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish. This method helps prevent your nails from catching on clothing and other objects. However, it is a slow process and can take about six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails to grow out completely.
It is important to note that gel nail polish and extensions can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, it is recommended to proceed with caution when using at-home gel kits and always follow the manufacturer's instructions. To safely remove gel nails, avoid picking, peeling, or filing off the lacquer, as it can cause long-term damage to your nail beds and make them susceptible to breakage. Instead, opt for acetone removal or nail growth to maintain healthy nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nails can cause eye problems. The allergic reaction can appear on the eyelids and neck due to people touching them with their nails. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include persistent swollen, red, and itchy eyes.
Other symptoms of an allergic reaction to gel nails include a rash on the eyelids, cheeks, chin, side of the face, and neck.
Ingredients in gel nails that can cause allergic reactions include monomers, photoinitiators, acrylates, and methacrylates. Other potential allergens include nitrocellulose, tosylamide formaldehyde, camphor, dibutyl pthalate, and solvents such as acetone or dyes.
To reduce the risk of an allergic reaction, it is important to avoid getting gel polish on your skin. Experts recommend visiting a professional for the safe removal of gel nails, as the removal process is when nail damage is most common.
