- Allergies to gel nail polish often result from chemicals like methacrylates.
- Common symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, and nail changes.
- Treatment includes avoidance of the allergen.
People can develop allergies to beauty and cosmetic products, including those used for our nails. Gel nail allergy, in particular, may result from gel nail products — which are a type of artificial nail enhancement that offers a glossy finish.
If you plan on getting gel nail polish soon, this article might offer valuable information. Here, you will learn what this product is made of, why it may cause an allergic reaction, treatment, and prevention strategies.
What is Gel Nail Polish Made Of?
Gel nail polish is made up of various chemical components that work together to create a durable and glossy finish. The main ingredients typically include oligomers, monomers, photoinitiators, pigments and dyes, additives and dyes, additives, and solvents.
When gel nail polish is applied, it remains in a semi-liquid state until it is exposed to UV or LED light. The light activates the photoinitiators, which causes the oligomers and monomers to undergo polymerization. This hardens the gel.
Why are Some People Allergic to Gel Nail Polish?
People can develop allergies to certain chemicals found in gel nail polish, particularly methacrylates, which are the main compound in the gel [*].
In a survey assessing the frequency of side effects associated with gel nail polish, it was found that 21.2% of respondents reported experiencing side effects while wearing the gel manicure and 75.2% after removing it. Moreover, 3.1% of respondents experienced severe reactions, such as skin lesions on the hands, lip swelling, or widespread skin lesions — which indicate allergic contact dermatitis.
What are the Symptoms of Gel Nail Polish Allergy?
Symptoms of gel nail polish allergy can vary depending on the individual's sensitivity. The common symptoms associated with gel nail polish allergy can include:
- Skin reactions around the nails: Redness, inflammation, swelling, itching, and fluid-filled blisters around the nails
- Nail changes: Nails may become detached from the nail bed (onycholysis), appearing lifted or separated. Nails may also change color.
How is Gel Nail Polish Allergy Diagnosed?
Gel nail polish allergy is diagnosed primarily through a process called patch testing. This method of allergy testing involves applying small patches or chambers containing the selected allergens to the unaffected skin, and leaving them there for about 48 hours [*].
After 48 hours, the patches are removed by a healthcare professional during a follow-up visit. They will examine your skin at each patch site to assess for any signs of allergic reaction.
How is Gel Nail Polish Allergy Treated?
Treating a gel nail polish allergy involves both immediate management of symptoms and long-term strategies to prevent future reactions. They include:
Avoidance
Immediately stop using gel nail polishes and any other nail products that contain the identified allergens. Aside from discontinuing their use, consider hypoallergenic alternatives (free of certain agents, which reduces the likelihood of irritation and damage to the nails and surrounding skin) [*].
Topical steroid creams
Topical corticosteroid creams or ointments can reduce inflammation, redness, and itching. They manage the symptoms of contact dermatitis caused by methylacrylates in the gel nail polish, such as itching, redness, and swelling.
Steroid creams should be prescribed by a healthcare provider and used as directed.
Oral antihistamines
While gel nail polish allergies most commonly cause localized reactions on the skin around the nails, in rare cases, individuals can experience more widespread symptoms that would require oral antihistamines.
Oral antihistamines are particularly effective at reducing itching and swelling associated with allergic reactions to gel nail polish. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as topical corticosteroids, to provide comprehensive symptom relief.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots are an effective treatment for respiratory allergies caused by environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander. They are not typically used for contact allergies like those caused by gel nail polish.
However, they may be recommended for patients who have severe allergic contact dermatitis that have not responded to other treatments. Allergy shots involve injecting small amounts of an allergen into the body over a period of time, with the goal of desensitizing the immune system to that allergen.
How to Prevent Allergic Reactions to Gel Nail Polish
To prevent allergic reactions to gel nail polish, strategies can be implemented, such as choosing the right products and using proper application techniques.
Minimize the risk of developing an allergy with these tips:
- Look for gel nail polishes labeled as hypoallergenic, which are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. These products often exclude common allergens such as methacrylates, formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
- 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 allergic reactions.
- Be vigilant for any signs of allergic reactions, such as redness, itching, swelling, or blisters around the nail area. Early detection can prevent more severe reactions.
If you experience any adverse reactions, consult a dermatologist or allergist promptly for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some other questions people may have about gel nail allergy:
Can gel nail polish allergy be serious?
Gel nail polish allergy can be serious, although it is more commonly associated with mild to moderate skin reactions. While usually localized, allergic contact dermatitis can sometimes spread to other parts of the body. However, this is rare.
Can gel nail polish allergy develop suddenly?
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.
Manufacturers may change the formulation of gel nail polishes by adding new chemicals or increasing the concentration of existing ones, and this can trigger an allergic reaction.
Also, changing to a different brand of gel nail polish with different ingredients can also cause a sudden allergic reaction if the product contains allergens to which you are sensitive.
Is gel nail polish allergy common, and who is at risk?
The prevalence of such allergies appears to be increasing with the growing popularity of gel nail polish. Individuals who frequently use gel nail polishes are at higher risk since they’re repeatedly exposed to potential allergens.
The Bottom Line
If you suspect that you are allergic to gel nail polish, it is best to avoid using it altogether. However, if you experience contact dermatitis or a delayed allergic reaction, promptly remove the nail polish and consult a physician for appropriate treatment.
References:
- PUTEK, J., PRZYBYŁA, T., SZEPIETOWSKI, J. C., BARAN, W., & BATYCKA-BARAN, A. (2020). Side-effects Associated with Gel Nail Polish: A Self-questionnaire Study of 2,118 Respondents. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 100(18). https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-3684
- Allergy skin tests - Mayo Clinic. (2024, March 26). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/allergy-tests/about/pac-20392895
- Lazzarini, R., De Figueiredo Silva Hafner, M., De Aquino Lopes, A. S., & Oliari, C. B. (2017). Allergy to hypoallergenic nail polish: does this exist? Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia, 92(3), 421–422. https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175889
