Gel nail allergies can develop in response to specific chemicals present in numerous nail products, including gel nail polish. The chemicals that cause nail products to harden under UV lamps, called acrylates, can cause seemingly random allergic reactions. Some people may develop an allergy after just one or two uses, while others may paint their nails with gels every week for 10 years before suddenly developing an allergy. Gel products contain two reactive ingredients called monomers and photoinitiators, which belong to the chemical families called acrylates and methacrylates. These ingredients are known to be skin sensitizers, which means that if they come into contact with any part of the skin, sensitization to the chemicals can occur.
The most responsible chemical for allergic reactions to nail enamel is tosylamide formaldehyde resin. To avoid nail cosmetics allergy, it is best to avoid all products that contain the allergen one is sensitive to. Hypoallergenic nail enamels that use polyester resin or cellulose acetate butyrate may be an alternative, but sensitivity is still possible.
It is important to note that gel nail allergies are not new, and dermatologists and allergists have seen them for ages, most often among nail-salon workers. However, the recent uptick in home use of these products has resulted in far more cases than normal.
