Ava Monroe
There has been a recent surge in reports of people developing allergies from gel manicures. Dermatologists have warned that the chemicals in nail gel polishes, specifically acrylates and methacrylates, can cause 'life-changing' allergic reactions. These reactions can range from nails loosening and falling off to severe rashes, trouble breathing, and even full-body responses. The rise in gel nail product popularity has naturally led to an increase in adverse reactions, with at-home kits posing a particular risk due to improper curing and inadequate safety measures. Once an allergy develops, individuals may need to avoid certain medical treatments and surgeries that use similar chemicals. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods for gel nail polish allergies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of allergies | Acrylates, a family of chemicals that cause gel polish to harden or "cure" under UV light |
| Specific acrylate irritants | Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), cyanoacrylate, urethane methacrylate |
| Symptoms | Nails becoming loosened from the nail bed, severe rash on the face, neck, upper chest, trouble breathing, worsening of asthma, swelling, eczema, redness, itching, burning, peeling, blisters, contact dermatitis |
| Treatment | Topical steroids, steroid injections, oral antihistamines, oral steroids, medicated creams, tablets |
| Prevention | Avoid getting gel polish on your skin, use recommended UV lamp for curing, wear nitrile gloves when applying, change gloves every 30 minutes with a no-touch technique |
| Risk factors | History of sensitive skin or contact allergies, history of allergies in general (food, drug, environmental) |
| Alternative options | Regular nail polish, water-based polish, press-on nails with sticker tabs |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Ingredients in gel nail polish that cause allergies
Gel nail polishes can cause "'life-changing' allergies that may prevent people from having certain operations. These allergies are caused by chemicals in the nail polish, specifically methacrylates, which can seep into the skin and trigger allergic reactions.
The two main ingredients in gel nail polish that cause allergies are monomers and photoinitiators, which belong to the chemical families of acrylates and methacrylates. These ingredients are known to be skin sensitizers, meaning that if they are absorbed into the skin, they may cause an allergy. Acrylates are the reason that gel nail polish hardens in seconds when exposed to UV light. However, even with proper curing, some unbonded acrylates may be left behind, which can cause irritation.
Other potential allergens in gel polish formulas include methyl acrylate, nitrocellulose, tosylamide formaldehyde, camphor, dibutyl pthalate, and solvents such as acetone or dyes. Tosylamide formaldehyde resin, in particular, has been identified as the seventh most common ingredient causing allergic contact dermatitis in patients with cosmetic allergies.
In addition to causing allergic reactions, some ingredients in gel nail polish can also lead to nail diseases such as paronychia, onycholysis, and other nail dystrophies. These conditions can be extremely painful, long-lasting, and debilitating.
Gel Nails and Mucoid Cysts: Is There a Link?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Symptoms of gel nail polish allergies
Symptoms of a gel nail polish allergy can vary depending on the individual's sensitivity to the product. Some people may experience a reaction immediately after exposure, while others may develop a hypersensitivity reaction over time with repeated use.
The most common symptoms of a gel nail polish allergy include:
- Redness, inflammation, and itching around the nails
- Swelling and blistering around the nails or on the skin
- Nail changes, such as nail lifting or separation from the nail bed (onycholysis), nail discolouration, and nail damage or loss
- Skin lesions on the hands
- Lip swelling
- Widespread skin lesions
In rare cases, a gel nail polish allergy can lead to a full-body reaction, with symptoms such as:
- Trouble breathing
- Worsening of asthma
- Rash on the face, neck, or upper chest
If you experience any of these symptoms after using gel nail polish, it is important to seek medical advice and discontinue the use of the product.
Gel Nails: Instantly Dry or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Treatment for gel nail polish allergies
If you are experiencing a mild allergic reaction, you can try an antihistamine, which is available at a pharmacy without a prescription. It is important to remove the gel nail polish that is causing the reaction. If you have experienced an allergic reaction to gel nail polish, you should avoid using gel nail polish in the future.
If you are experiencing a more severe reaction, you may require steroid injections or oral steroids and antihistamines. In the case of a full-body reaction, oral steroids and antihistamines may be necessary.
To avoid a reaction in the first place, you can do a patch test on a small part of your nail before applying gel nail polish. You can also opt for non-acrylate nail polishes, as acrylates are the main cause of gel nail polish allergies.
It is important to be cautious when using at-home gel nail kits, as incorrect use can lead to an allergic reaction. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and ensure your nails are fully cured.
Dip Nails vs Gel Nails: Which Manicure Lasts Longer?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Preventing gel nail polish allergies
Gel nail polish can cause allergic reactions, with some experts warning that these reactions can be "life-changing". The main culprit is a chemical called methacrylate, which can be found in gel polish and can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. These reactions can range from mild irritation to more severe symptoms such as trouble breathing.
To prevent gel nail polish allergies, it is important to take the following precautions:
- Minimize exposure: The ingredients in gel polish, specifically acrylates, can irritate the skin and tissue. To minimize the risk of developing an allergy, it is important to minimize exposure to these chemicals. This includes avoiding getting gel polish on the skin and immediately removing it if contact occurs.
- Use recommended products and tools: When using at-home gel nail kits, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. This includes using the recommended UV lamp for curing and ensuring that the gel polish is fully cured. Using cheap lamps with weak LED bulbs can lead to an under-cured manicure, increasing the risk of an allergic reaction.
- Be cautious with at-home kits: The rise in gel nail polish allergies has been partially attributed to the increase in at-home DIY gel nail kits. Without proper training and ventilation, individuals may unknowingly put themselves at risk. If using an at-home kit, it is important to read the instructions carefully and take precautions such as wearing a mask and ensuring proper ventilation.
- Be aware of the risks: Gel nail polish allergies can have potential medical and dental implications as methacrylates are also used in medical treatments such as dental fillings and diabetes medication. If you have a history of skin sensitivities or allergies, it is recommended to opt for regular polish or water-based/plant-based polishes instead of gel nails.
- Practice good nail salon hygiene: When getting a gel manicure at a nail salon, it is important to ensure that the salon is using the products they claim to be using. Nail technicians should wear nitrile gloves when applying gel polish and change them frequently to minimize the risk of exposure to methacrylates.
- Monitor for symptoms: Allergic reactions to gel nail polish can occur on the skin around the nails, but they can also appear elsewhere on the body, such as the eyelids and neck, due to contact with the nails. If you experience any irritation, swelling, redness, or peeling, it is important to remove the gel polish and seek medical advice.
Acrylic vs Gel Nails: Pros and Cons
You may want to see also
Explore related products
At-home gel nail kits and allergies
Gel nail polish can cause allergic reactions, and at-home gel nail kits are no exception. The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) has warned that at-home kits are "riskier because of the lack of experience the public has with these products".
The chemicals in gel nail polishes, called methacrylates, can seep into the skin and cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms of such a reaction include nails becoming loosened from the nail bed and the skin around the nails developing a severe rash. Reactions can also appear elsewhere on the body, such as the eyelids and neck, due to people touching these areas with their nails.
If you are new to gel nails, there are some measures you can take to prevent an allergic reaction. Firstly, make sure you are purchasing from a reputable, trustworthy brand. It is also important to carefully read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. This includes using the recommended UV lamp for curing and not using the same lamp with other polishes purchased separately.
If you experience an allergic reaction to your gel manicure, the first thing to do is to remove the polish or extensions, as long as you are not having a severe reaction. Treatment for a gel nail allergy may include topical steroids, and in rare cases of a full-body reaction, oral antihistamines and oral steroids may be required.
Some popular at-home gel nail kits include:
- Olive & June The Gel Mani System
- Morovan Nail Kit
- Le Mini Macaron Le Maxi Deluxe Gel Manicure Set
- Morovan Poly Gel Kit
- 14 Day Manicure
Acetone's Power: Gel Nails' Melting Point
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Gel nail polishes are a premixed product and a hybrid of gel and nail varnish that must be hardened under a UV lamp.
The chemicals in gel nail polishes can seep into the skin and cause an allergic reaction. The commonly cited cause of a gel nail allergy is acrylates, the family of chemicals that cause gel polish to harden or "cure" under UV light.
Symptoms of a gel nail polish allergy can include nails becoming loosened from the nail bed, and the skin around the nails developing a severe rash. In some cases, people can experience trouble breathing, or swelling, eczema, redness, and peeling or blistered skin around the nails.
To prevent a gel nail polish allergy, it is important to avoid getting gel polish on your skin and to ensure that it is fully cured under a UV lamp. If you are using an at-home gel nail kit, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and use the recommended UV lamp for curing. If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies, you may be at a higher risk of developing a gel nail polish allergy.
