Caleb Foster
Gel nails can be a fun way to express yourself, but they can also be a hassle when they start to lift prematurely. While there are many causes for gel nails to lift, one potential reason could be the use of certain medications. Drug-induced nail disease can occur when a medication affects nail growth or structure, and it is more common in older individuals and those exposed to multiple medicines. Antidepressants, antibiotics, and painkillers are just a few examples of medications that have been linked to nail abnormalities, including lifting. Additionally, recreational drugs such as cocaine and marijuana can also contribute to this issue. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience nail lifting, as discontinuing certain medications may be necessary to address the problem.
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What You'll Learn
Antidepressants and antibiotics
Antibiotics, in particular, have been linked to nail bed lifting and overpigmentation. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), and tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, can cause nails to separate from the skin beneath them after exposure to sunlight. This effect is slightly more common in children but is generally rare and usually temporary. In most cases, no action is required, as these antibiotics are typically taken for a short period. However, it is important to note that other antibiotics can also cause skin darkening.
Antidepressants have also been anecdotally linked to issues with gel nails. One source mentions that their mother's gel nails were not lasting as long as they used to, and they suspected that the antibiotics and herbal stress relief medications their mother was taking were the cause. In another case, a person taking an antidepressant along with other medications experienced itchiness and irritation with their acrylic nails, ultimately having to remove them.
While medication can be a factor in gel nail issues, it is important to consider other factors as well. For example, individuals experiencing depression or anxiety may struggle with day-to-day grooming and nail care, and physical aspects such as disturbed sleep patterns can lead to clumsiness and nail breakages.
If you are experiencing nail problems and are taking medications such as antidepressants or antibiotics, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance and recommend treatments or management tips based on your specific symptoms.
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Insulin and heart medication
Medications are rarely the cause of artificial nail adhesion loss. It is more likely that the client's lifestyle change or overall health is causing the problem. For instance, those taking heart medication may also have blood pressure and circulation problems, which are far more likely to adversely affect the condition of new nail growth than the medications themselves.
Insulin is an essential hormone that helps the body turn food into energy and manage blood sugar levels. If your body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it properly, you can develop high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) and diabetes. In this case, your healthcare provider can prescribe manufactured insulin, which can be taken through an injection, an injectable pen, a pump, or an inhaler.
Insulin resistance can be influenced by several factors, including the type and amount of food eaten, activity levels, other hormones, and certain medications, like corticosteroids. If insulin resistance is severe, these medications may not be enough to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and insulin will be needed.
A wide variety of medications have been reported to cause nail disease, but it is generally rare. Drug-induced nail disease is more common in older persons and those exposed to multiple medications. The signs and symptoms of drug-induced nail disease depend on the specific drug, and the higher the dose, the more likely it is to cause nail disease. Symptoms may include Beau lines (transverse lines in the nail plate), onychomadesis (complete shedding of the nail plate), and leukonychia (a white line).
Onycholysis, or nail separation, can be caused by injury, fungi, or certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs, tetracycline, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and retinoids. It is often not painful, but it can be contagious if caused by a fungus. If you haven't experienced an injury to your nails, it is a good idea to contact your healthcare provider as soon as you notice onycholysis, as it may be a symptom of a more serious condition.
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Birth control pills
While there is no direct evidence that birth control pills cause gel nails to lift, there is a theory that changes in hormones can cause changes in the structure of nails, leading to lifting, separation, and adhesion issues. It is important to note that these changes are not sudden and dramatic but rather occur over time, usually after a person has been taking the pill for at least 4 to 6 months. During this time, the hormones can cause rapid nail growth.
Additionally, birth control pills can interact with other medications and affect their effectiveness. For example, medications used to treat fungal infections of the nails, such as Fulvicin, Grifulvin V, Gris-Peg, and Grisactin (griseofulvin), may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Similarly, certain medications for diabetes, anxiety, muscle spasms, and sleep problems may also interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Antibiotics can also reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
It is worth noting that while some people suggest that hormones can cause nails to "fall off," this is considered to be an exaggeration or an urban legend. Any changes in nail structure due to hormones will occur gradually, and a change in hormones would need to exist for a period of 4 to 6 months to be considered a potential cause of nail issues.
If you are experiencing issues with gel nail lifting and are taking birth control pills, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss any potential interactions or side effects that may be contributing to the problem.
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Recreational drugs
Recreational drug use can cause gel nails to lift. Semi-regular use of cocaine and marijuana can lead to nail lifting. This is likely due to the impact of these drugs on nail growth and structure, which can cause cosmetic changes to the nail colour and texture.
Nail lifting, or onycholysis, is when the nail separates from its nail bed. It is a common occurrence and can be caused by injury, fungus, or skin problems such as psoriasis. Onycholysis usually lasts for several months or over a year and can cause nails to become thick, yellow, and show white spots and streaks. It can also lead to an abnormal border between the pink and white areas of the nail, with the white areas being thicker in some parts and thinner in others.
Drug-induced nail changes are side effects that can develop after starting a new medication. These changes can be cosmetic, such as changes in nail colour, or more serious, such as infections and nail separation. While nail problems are not a common occurrence with most medications, they are linked to a select few. For example, anti-seizure medications and blood thinners (anticoagulants) can cause nail-related symptoms such as bleeding under the nails.
Other medications that can affect nail health include anti-retroviral drugs, ciclosporin, heparin, lithium, methotrexate, and retinoids. These drugs may reduce nail growth or cause pigmentation changes. It is important to note that nail-related side effects may go away after stopping certain medications, but one should never stop taking medication without consulting a healthcare professional first.
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Anticonvulsants
Drug-induced nail disease is diagnosed when a medication affects nail growth or structure. This can include damage to the nail matrix (the hidden part of the nail unit under the cuticle), the nail bed (the skin beneath the nail), or the periungual tissue (the tissue around the nail). Anticonvulsants can cause onycholysis, which is the lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed, causing nails to appear white, yellow, or brown due to subungual haemorrhage. This can be painful and may result in nails that are tough and thick, with abnormal borders between the pink and white areas.
One anticonvulsant that has been specifically identified as causing onycholysis is sodium valproate. It can also cause acute and chronic paronychia, which is characterised by painful, swollen, and reddened nail folds, as well as periungual pyogenic granuloma. These conditions are a result of damage to the nail folds, the skin that frames and supports the nail on three sides.
It is important to note that drug-induced nail disease is generally rare and more common in older persons or those exposed to multiple medications. The signs and symptoms depend on the specific drug and the dosage, with higher doses typically leading to a higher likelihood of nail disease. If you are experiencing nail lifting and believe it to be related to your medication, consult your healthcare provider for advice. They may recommend discontinuing the medication or exploring alternative treatments.
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Frequently asked questions
Gel nails can lift due to errors in the application process, such as improper nail preparation, using an inefficient curing lamp, or applying the product too close to the cuticle. Nails that are in poor natural condition, dry, or damaged can also create a weak foundation for gel nails, causing them to lift.
A wide variety of medications have been linked to nail abnormalities, including antidepressants, antibiotics, and painkillers. Additionally, insulin, heart medication, and birth control pills can impact gel nails.
If you suspect that your medication is causing your gel nails to lift, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist. They can assess your specific medications and their potential side effects.
Maintaining nail health is crucial. Routinely apply products like cuticle oil to nourish your natural nails. Additionally, ensure your nails are properly prepared and cleaned before applying gel nail products.
If your gel nails have lifted, it is best to remove them safely and allow your natural nails to recover. Consult a nail technician or dermatologist for advice on nail care and preventing further lifting.
