All You Need To Know About Gel Nail Polish Allergy

Gel nail allergy, though rare as it is, is still one of the nightmares for nail lovers. There are many problems if you are allergic to gel nails, including itching, rashes, or swelling. Read our article to know more about the causes, timely solutions if you are allergic to nail polish and how to avoid gel nail allergy.

Common Causes of Allergies When Nail Polish

If you already have skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, it might be a burden to you to be a manicurist or to satisfy your passion for nail art. Here are the typical allergic reactions that you can get from using nail products, although, in any circumstances, the best thing you should do is to consult your doctor, be it an allergist or a dermatologist, for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

1. Overexposure to Manicure Products

You can develop an allergic reaction to gel polish if you use nail products frequently and are in constant contact with your skin. In addition, applying multiple layers of nail gels at the same time to evenly cover the nails during the nail polish process is also evidence that the pins are overexposed to chemicals, causing the nails to become vulnerable. 

2. Allergic to Gel Nails Ingredients

If you or your client is allergic to one or more chemical components found in nail products such as acrylic, dip powder, gel polish, etc., the skin may become irritated, with fingers itchy after a gel manicure. Currently, many types of nail polish are on the market at various prices. Besides the price benefits, this also poses a potential risk - the chances you buy poor-quality or unknown-origin products. Usually, these products contain many skin irritants.

3. Misuse of Nail Polish Products

Each beauty product has instructions you need to follow to avoid irritation or allergic reactions. However, when it comes to self-nail manicures,  many have done it the wrong way, leading to itchy nails.

During the nail manicure, it is inevitable that the gels will smear on the skin close to the nail. This is a relatively thin skin area, so redness and itching may quickly appear when affected by a particular chemical.

4. Common Allergic Reaction To Gel Nail Polish

To distinguish a nail polish allergy from an allergy caused by other reasons, you need to know about the symptoms and characteristics of this condition. The following are common symptoms of an allergic reaction to nail polish:

• Cuticle itchy: The first reaction when an allergy occurs is itching, this condition will start in the area of ​​​​contact with the allergen – the skin around the nail. Besides, red patches like rashes will appear gradually in the nail area and hands. Many severe cases will accompany a burning sensation that spreads throughout the arm.
• Peeling skin: For many severe cases, not only will the nail polish be itchy, it is more dangerous than peeling the skin in patches.
• Tracheal damage: If you are allergic to an ingredient in nail polish, your nails itch, and your trachea will be affected. This symptom manifests as a runny nose, allergies, difficulty breathing, swollen eyes, and a dry cough.

Figure 01. Common symptoms you might be allergic to your manicure.

How To Treat Allergic Reaction To Gel Nails

Take note of these essential tips immediately if you or your clients are allergic to nail polish!

1. Remove the Nail Polish

To treat nail itching after applying nail polish, it is necessary to determine the cause and consider the disease's condition. Usually, if the itching only appears after applying nail polish or only mild itching in a small area, you need to immediately remove the polish to isolate the skin from the allergen.

2. Use Medicine

If the itchy nail polish's symptoms worsen, you need to immediately go to a medical facility for examination and proper treatment. Usually, the treatment will include specialized medicines. An example is an antibiotic Histamine. This medication will help to stop the body's response to allergens and reduce the burning and itching sensation inside the skin. The drugs in the Antihistamine group are Loratadine, Claritin, Diazolin, Suprastin, Peritol, and Trexyl... You need to follow your doctor's prescription for better treatment.

3. Apply Ointment

If you have a lot of swelling and itching, your doctor will prescribe ointment in the form of antibiotic gels and lotions. However, you need to consult your doctor before applying these drugs to the skin for the best treatment results.

4. Vitamin And Mineral Supplement

To speed up the body's recovery process, you should supplement yourself with fresh vitamins and minerals – eat lots of green vegetables and drink plenty of water. When combined with antihistamines and topical drugs, the effectiveness will be doubled. Besides, doctors will prescribe multivitamins to strengthen body resistance when treating itchy nails.

How To Avoid Gel Nail Allergy?

If you have a gel nail allergy, the best way to avoid any problems is to say no to all products that contain the allergen. Hypoallergenic nail polishes that use Polyester resin or Cellulose Acetate Butyrate can be an alternative but can still cause allergies if misused. Your dermatologist can give you more helpful advice, especially if you are particularly sensitive to allergens in nail cosmetics.

If you are a nail technician, you must always ensure your work area is clean, the nail polish brush after use does not leave gel or other liquids after, always make sure all the tools are disinfected, and proper nail care procedures are followed. Alternatively, you can use cosmetic disinfecting products such as micro-exfoliating hand sanitizers and hand protection serums to protect yourself from allergic reactions.

Visit the Nail Exams Website to learn more about the Nail Technician Exam and get advice on how to pass the exams and get your Nail Technician License.

With the Nail Test App, we provide a series of state-by-state and exam-like tests that will prepare you for the Nail Technician Exam.