Englishwoman Lisa Dewey, 36, was virtually unable to use her hands after suffering an allergic reaction to nail extension gel. Lisa told the British newspaper daily mail who had had her nails done regularly for years with no issues. But in February, after a visit to the manicure, she felt her fingers itch intensely, which became inflamed, and noticed that her nails were flaking and coming off her fingers.
“It was a surprise. I was scared of losing a finger when I noticed that it was all purple around the nail. I was afraid I was out of oxygen,” said the UK National Health Service (NHS) cleaner.
Her dermatologist initially diagnosed the case as a bacterial infection and prescribed Lisa a steroid ointment and antibiotics. The problem was temporarily resolved, but in April, after a new attempt to put on acrylic nails, Lisa got irritated fingers again, which makes her believe she is allergic to the procedure.
She says the nails came loose again and the skin around them started to flake off. The pain was so intense that the woman could barely move her hands. “It’s embarrassing to have hands like that. It shook my confidence a lot. Normally I don’t care what people think of me, but now I hide my hands,” she claims.
Increased allergic reactions
A British Association of Dermatologists (BAD, its acronym in English) made an alert, in April, about allergic reactions related to artificial nails after the increase in the number of registrations in the country.
Dermatologists worry about poorly trained manicurists and at-home gel polish kits. When gel nail polish chemicals like methacrylates don’t dry properly, they can leak and come into contact with the skin. In this situation, sensitization to chemicals and the development of allergies may occur. “This is very likely when people apply a product themselves or if the nail technician has not received sufficient training,” they state.
Doctors warn that an allergy to methacrylates can have lifelong consequences. The chemical and similar products are used in dental and orthopedic procedures and in the treatment of diabetes, for example. “Many people are unaware of the possible medical and dental implications if they become sensitized to nail methacrylates,” states the BAD.
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