Sophia Delgado
Contact dermatitis is a type of skin reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritating substance. It is characterised by redness, blistering, itching, inflammation, and swelling near the nails. Gel nail polish can contain several allergens, such as hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and isobornyl acrylate (IBOA), which can cause allergic contact dermatitis. A survey found that 21.2% of respondents experienced side effects while wearing gel manicures, and 75.2% experienced side effects after removing them. In rare cases, individuals can experience widespread symptoms such as skin lesions on the hands and lip swelling. To prevent allergic reactions, individuals can opt for hypoallergenic gel nail polishes, which are formulated to minimise the risk of allergic reactions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | Redness, inflammation, burning, itching, blistering, peeling, swelling, nail changes, skin lesions, lip swelling, widespread skin lesions |
| Causes | Acrylates, tosylamide formaldehyde resin, butyl acetate, colourants, hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), isobornyl acrylate (IBOA), methacrylates, nail thinners, nail hardeners, prolonged use, incorrect application/removal |
| Treatment | Topical corticosteroid creams, oral antihistamines, allergy shots, moisturising hands, taking breaks between applications, patch testing, dermatologist or allergist consultation |
| Prevention | Choosing the right products, using proper application techniques, using products labelled as "hypoallergenic", performing a small patch test before use, ensuring correct ingredient percentages, using recommended lights and gels |
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What You'll Learn
Symptoms of contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, resulting in an inflammatory response. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or skin tone, and can develop anywhere on the body, including the hands, feet, scalp, face, arms, legs, chest, abdomen, and genitals. Symptoms of contact dermatitis include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Blisters
- Dryness
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Skin that becomes cracked and filled with fluid
- Painful to touch
The symptoms of contact dermatitis can vary depending on whether it is caused by an irritant or an allergic reaction. Irritant contact dermatitis is a non-immune-mediated reaction that occurs when skin cells are damaged by exposure to irritating substances such as soaps, hair dye, perfumes, preservatives, foods, or latex. The symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis can appear immediately after exposure or within 48 hours, and the reaction is usually limited to the area of the skin that came into contact with the irritant.
Allergic contact dermatitis, on the other hand, arises from an allergic immune reaction. It can be a delayed reaction, with symptoms appearing a day or two after exposure to the allergen. This type of contact dermatitis mainly affects the hands and can cause symptoms such as mild redness and itchiness, as well as skin that becomes cracked, filled with fluid, and extremely itchy.
In the context of gel nail polish, allergic reactions are often caused by acrylates and methacrylates, which are commonly found in nail products. Symptoms of contact dermatitis from gel nails can include immediate burning or pain, inflammation, redness, blistering, and even onycholysis (lifting of the nail off the nail bed). It is important to note that once a person has developed an allergy to a specific substance, they are likely to always have that allergy, and avoiding the trigger substance is critical to prevent further reactions.
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Allergens in gel nails
Allergies to gel nail polish are becoming increasingly common, with many people taking to social media platforms like TikTok to share their experiences and warn others. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to gel nails include redness, swelling, itching, and nail changes such as blistering and peeling.
Gel nail polish is made up of various chemical components that work together to create a durable and glossy finish. The main ingredients typically includes oligomers, monomers, photoinitiators, pigments, dyes, additives, and solvents. Some of the most common allergens found in gel nail polish include:
- Methacrylates: Liquid methacrylate acid esters are strong sensitisers and can cause irritant and allergic contact dermatitis reactions. They are also associated with two rare but very serious reactions: paraesthesias (tingling and prickling) and nail loss.
- Tosylamide formaldehyde resin: This chemical is commonly found in nail enamels and was deemed the seventh most common ingredient causing allergic contact dermatitis in a study by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG).
- Butyl acetate: This solvent is found in nail enamels and has been reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis.
- Colourants: The use of colourants in nail enamels can also lead to dermatitis, especially around the cuticle area.
- Acrylates: Acrylates are another type of chemical that can cause allergic reactions, including contact dermatitis.
It is important to note that while gel nail polish is a common cause of allergic reactions, not everyone will experience an allergy. The risk of developing an allergy is higher for those who mix and match lamps and gels, or who are frequently exposed to the products, such as nail technicians.
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Preventing gel nail dermatitis
Gel nail polish can cause allergic reactions in some people, leading to contact dermatitis. This condition causes redness, blistering, inflammation, and itching of the skin around the nails. While gel nail polish is generally safe when applied and removed correctly, certain ingredients can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
To prevent gel nail dermatitis, consider the following strategies:
- Choose the right products: Opt for gel nail polishes labelled as hypoallergenic, which are formulated to minimise the risk of allergic reactions. These products typically exclude common allergens such as methacrylates, formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
- Patch testing: Before using a new gel nail polish, it is recommended to perform a patch test by applying a small amount to a small area of skin, such as the inside of your wrist or elbow. Wait 48 hours to check for any signs of allergic reactions.
- Consult a professional: Seek advice from experienced nail professionals or dermatologists regarding the safest products to use. They can guide you in choosing products with fewer chemical ingredients, reducing the risk of allergies.
- Proper application and removal: Ensure that your nail technician is using the correct products and application techniques. Improper application or removal of gel nail polish can increase the risk of allergies or irritation.
- Take breaks: Allow your nails to breathe by taking breaks between gel nail applications. Continuous and prolonged use of gel nail polish may increase the risk of developing an allergy or irritation.
- Moisturise: Keep your nails and skin healthy by moisturising your hands regularly. This can help maintain the natural moisture balance of your nails and skin, reducing the risk of dryness and irritation.
- Watch for early signs: If you experience any itching, redness, blistering, or other signs of irritation, discontinue the use of gel nail polish immediately. Early detection can help prevent more serious reactions.
- Seek medical advice: If you are unsure about the cause of your reaction or experience adverse symptoms, consult a dermatologist or allergist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. They may perform allergy tests to identify specific allergens and provide personalised advice.
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Treating gel nail dermatitis
It is important to note that if you suspect an allergy to gel nail polish, you must seek medical attention. A healthcare provider or dermatologist can help confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
If you have a gel nail allergy, you should stop using gel nail polishes altogether. However, if you are new to gel nails, there are a few measures you can take to prevent an allergic reaction. Firstly, ensure your nail salon is using the product they claim to be using. You can also look for gel nail polishes labelled as hypoallergenic, which are formulated to minimise the risk of allergic reactions. These products often exclude common allergens such as methacrylates, formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
If you are experiencing an allergic reaction, you can treat the symptoms with over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines like Xyzal. For more severe reactions, a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger medication, such as topical or injected steroids. Topical corticosteroid creams or ointments can reduce inflammation, redness, and itching.
To prevent allergic reactions to gel nail polish, you can also implement strategies such as choosing the right products and using proper application techniques. Avoid getting gel polish on your skin, as this can cause an immediate contact dermatitis reaction. Before using a new gel nail polish, apply a small amount to a small area of your skin (such as the inside of your wrist or elbow) and wait 48 hours to check for any adverse reactions.
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Diagnosing gel nail dermatitis
A patch test is a special allergy test that helps identify specific allergens causing reactions. During the test, a dermatologist applies various common skin allergens to the skin and observes any allergic reaction symptoms after 48 hours. The allergens are carefully selected based on the individual's history and can include substances found in gel nail products and related items. Positive reactions may appear as itchy, red bumps, redness, itching, and swelling.
It is important to note that misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary avoidance of products or exposure to harmful substances. Therefore, seeking a professional diagnosis is highly recommended if you suspect a gel nail allergy.
Additionally, performing an open patch test is recommended for nail enamel removers and cuticle removers due to their high volatile solvent concentrations. These products can cause irritant contact dermatitis due to their high solvent concentrations.
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Frequently asked questions
Symptoms include redness, inflammation, itching, blistering, and peeling. In more severe cases, individuals can experience more widespread symptoms such as skin lesions on the hands, lip swelling, or nail changes.
It is hard to say exactly how common contact dermatitis is from gel nails as it depends on individual sensitivity. However, in a survey, 21.2% of respondents reported experiencing side effects while wearing the gel manicure and 75.2% after removing it.
Contact dermatitis from gel nails is caused by an allergic reaction to certain chemicals in the gel nail products. Common allergens include acrylates, hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and isobornyl acrylate (IBOA).
To prevent contact dermatitis, opt for gel nail polishes labeled as hypoallergenic, which are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Before using a new gel nail polish, apply a small amount to a small area of your skin and wait 48 hours to check for any allergic reactions.
