Lisa Dewey, 36, saw her nails come off her fingers after an extension session. The case occurred in the United Kingdom

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 have had her nails done regularly for years without issues. But in February, after a visit to the manicurist, her fingers became very itchy, inflamed, and she noticed her nails were peeling and falling off her fingers.

“It was a surprise. I was afraid of losing a finger when I noticed it was purple around the nail. I was afraid I had run out of oxygen,” said the UK National Health Service cleaner.

Her dermatologist initially diagnosed it as a bacterial infection and prescribed Lisa a steroid ointment and antibiotics. The problem was temporarily resolved, but in April, after a new attempt at applying acrylic nails, Lisa developed irritation on the fingers again, leading her to believe she was allergic to the procedure.

She says the nails have retracted and the skin around them has begun to peel. The pain was so severe that the woman could hardly move her hands. “It’s so embarrassing to have such hands. My confidence has been shaken so much. Normally I wouldn’t care what people think of me, but now I hide my hands.”

increased sensitivity

a British Association of Dermatologists (BAD, for its English acronym), issued an alert, in April, about allergic reactions related to artificial nails after a surge in registrations in the country.

Dermatologists worry about poorly trained manicurists and at-home gel polish kits. When nail polish chemicals such as methacrylate do not dry properly, they can leach out and come into contact with the skin. In this case, sensitization to chemicals and the development of allergic reactions may occur. “This is very likely when people apply a product themselves or if the nail technician has not received adequate training,” they say.

Doctors warn that an allergy to methacrylate can have lifelong consequences. Chemicals and similar products are used in dental and orthopedic procedures and diabetes treatment, for example. “Many people are not aware of the potential medical and dental effects if they become sensitive to nail methacrylate,” says BAD.

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