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Demystifing Nail Allergies

Demystifying Nail Allergies

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Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Responsible Care

There is still a great deal of obvious confusion over nail allergies and what to do about them.

Seeking Advice for Nail Allergies on Social Media

There are countless pictures on SM asking for opinions, even though many state that we are not doctors so we cannot diagnose. Then what?

If clients have been wearing nail coatings that are known to be allergenic and symptoms appear it doesn’t matter if they have had the same nail service for a long period of time with no reaction as it can take years for an immune response to occur. 

The only next step is to seek a medical diagnosis. Many general practitioners lack knowledge about common acrylate reactions, often dismissing them as fungal infections or prescribing antibiotics or steroid creams.

No one should take antibiotics unless necessary as the body can build up an immunity to them and they will not work when their use is urgent. Steroid creams can thin the skin and do not cure an allergic reaction.

Essential Steps for Allergic Reactions and Fungus Identification

The definitive step to remedy an allergic reaction involves complete removal of the allergen, which, in this case, refers to the nail coating.

To determine if a symptom is due to a fungal infection, testing is the essential method.

The only real answer to know what to do with a potential allergy is to have a dermatology patch test and one specifically for acrylates and methacrylates (which not all dermatologists are qualified to do!). If a GP refuses to refer the patient to a dermatologist, then they should be advised that the patient has had a known allergen such as a nail coating. Once this is done and results are received, the very specific ingredient can be avoided.

Testing HEMA-Free Products for Nail Allergies

It can be worth trying one nail with a HEMA-free product but the individual may, by that time, be allergic to many other acrylates or on the verge of becoming allergic. But if a client is insistent it can be done as long as the client agrees to return in one week to have it removed to see the condition of the nail plate and nail bed.

Prior Allergen Testing: A Must Before Nail Coating Application

Until this testing has been carried out no coating should be applied. If it is then the nail professional is liable for causing any further damage and wide open to a liable action.

When a reaction occurs the client must be encouraged to report it to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Bureau and the nail professional should report it to the manufacturer.

Preventing Nail Allergies: Proper Curing and Nail Product Safety

There are many known allergens used in nail products but they are allowed as the product must not touch the skin and must be properly cured. Please see all our information on a proper cure and watch our video on nail Allergies and how they happen, to understand it more.

Navigating HEMA and Monomer Reactions

It is not always HEMA that is the problem but reacting to HEMA can lead to reactions from other monomers.

It is very important that every nail pro understands what to do in these circumstances, anything less is unprofessional and opens their clients to long term problems and damage.

Related Terms:

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A type of infection caused by a fungus, which can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, nails, and hair. Fungal infections <\/a>are typically characterized by symptoms such as itching, redness, and inflammation, and can be treated with antifungal medications. Some common types of fungal infections include athlete's foot, ringworm, and onychomycosis<\/a> (fungal infection of the nails).<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_edc507d8d6f423b2441a4ed723bfa2a1":"

Allergic reaction<\/div>
\n

This is the reaction of the body to an invasion of a chemical substance or allergen that could be harmful or that the body has developed a sensitivity to. <\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_f00b3885820d8ff0625113ec4f5b0c80":"

Nail professional<\/div>
\n

An individual who is qualified to provide a wide range of nail services.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_a656a2a40632c1e29663156211bbc0bd":"

Nail coatings<\/div>
\n

Any product used to coat a finger or toe nail for strength or to add length and\/or colour.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_df9cd76cff6e2c0f058ea0241f11c67e":"

Methacrylates<\/div>
\n

Methacrylates are a class of chemicals commonly used in the production of various nail products, such as acrylic nails, gels, or adhesives. Methacrylates undergo polymerization reactions to create durable and long-lasting nail enhancements.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_8196c5f52ac83d9e02e4c744c8c2d096":"

Dermatologist<\/div>
\n

A\u00a0dermatologist\u00a0is a doctor who specializes in conditions involving the skin, hair, and nails. A\u00a0dermatologist\u00a0can identify and treat more than 3,000 conditions. These conditions include eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer, among many others. If anyone develops an allergic reaction to any product, it is important that a dermatologist carries out an allergy test to identify the specific ingredients that are causing the problem as an allergy is for life.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_1246a1b7fb9bed3e4702bd0168f71114":"

Nail plate<\/div>
Nail Plate\n

Hard layers of modified and keratinised skin cells, bonded together, to form a protective plate on the end of each finger and toe, that prevents damage to the underlying bone and allows for manual dexterity.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_265459ff3a77897a878b36de0b7ff4c6":"

Acrylates<\/div>
A family of chemicals that easily form plastic polymers. Commonly used in UV cured nail products.<\/div>","cmtt_1256c04862bdc6c8fe0105389d4f595c":"
Allergy<\/div>
Allergy Symptoms\n

The reaction of the body to certain chemicals that it sees as a threat to health. It is a permanent condition.
<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_e0d97b219a649705c5dec1e4bd630cd2":"

Allergic<\/div>
\n

Describes an individual whose immune system has adversely reacted to a chemical of any kind.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_bd83f8bc129a83a80cbb2ce4439b3a5d":"

Allergen<\/div>
What is an AllergenA chemical that mobilises the immune system in the human body as it is a threat to the health of the body. Individuals have different levels of when a chemical becomes an allergen.<\/div>","cmtt_c1a36df0013019a12f8f575de70e853d":"
Nail bed<\/div>
Nail Bed\n

An area of the nail unit under the nail plate consisting of Nail Bed Epithelium and Dermis.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_df05eb08db9e67ae0ee501e6714c6584":"

Monomers<\/div>
\n

Single units of molecules \u2013 the building blocks of polymers and the polymerisation process. <\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_028573aa40ce1f3cceb26ad80ad33592":"

Cure \/ Curing<\/div>
\n

This is the term used to describe the polymerization process for the acrylics (whether uv gels or l&p systems) used in nail coatings. A 'proper cure' is what should be achieved which is when, at least, 80% of the coating has been polymerised. Anything less than this is considered to be 'under-cured' and can cause an allergic reaction. \"Over-curing\" would be when the nail coating is cured in a lamp that has a stronger output than what the manufacturer recommends, and it will make the nail coating brittle.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_129b83559723b658d1dd3693617a7b6f":"

HEMA<\/div>
\n

Hydroxyethyl methacrylate\u00a0(HEMA) - this is a commonly used monomer in many nail products (and many others). It is a known allergen but relatively safe at or below the recommended percentage (35%). It is mostly concerned with adhesion but products with known allergen ingredients must be used correctly and safely i.e no contact with the skin and properly cured. Developing an allergy to this, as well as to several other monomers, has other implications as they are used in dental and\u00a0orthopaedic procedures.\u00a0Anyone who develops an allergy is strongly\u00a0recommended to have a\u00a0dermatological test to discover which ingredients they are allergic to. Then, this ingredient\/s must be avoided for life, and their dentist and orthopaedic\u00a0consultant should be notified.<\/p>\n<\/div>"}}; -->