Many ingredients found within nail cosmetic products are capable of sensitizing patients’ immune systems and causing contact dermatitis (CD). Below this wentry describe discuss the most common allergens found within these products, how to identify them, and how to treat the contact dermatitis they’ve caused.
Product (Synonyms) |
Purpose | Application Process | Approximate Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Nail Polish (lacquer, varnish) |
Gives nails color and shine | Painted directly onto nail plate or on top of acrylic or gel nails, with or without base or top coats. Can be applied at home or in salons | <1 week |
Base Coat | Creates an even surface for the color coat and facilitates adhesion | Applied directly to nail plate prior to application of colored nail polish | N/A |
Top Coat | Gives a glossy finish and protects nail enamel | Applied on top of colored nail polish | N/A |
Nail Polish Remover (acetone) |
Dissolves and removes nail polish and gel polish | Nail polish: wiped onto nails using a cotton applicator (such as a cotton ball or swab) Gel polish: poured into a bowl in which nails are soaked for several min or tightly applied to the nails using a cotton applicator and aluminum foil for several min |
N/A |
Nail Wraps (silk nails, preformed nails) |
Reinforce weak, brittle, or breaking nails | Sheets applied directly to nail plate with cyanoacrylate-based nail glue or adhesive backing, then warmed and trimmed to accommodate the shape of the underlying nail | 1–2 weeks |
Press-on Nails (fake nails, stick-ons) |
Immediate color/design with durable shine and shape Quick application that requires little to no skill |
Plastic nail applied directly to nail plate with cyanoacrylate-based glue or adhesive backing | 1–2 weeks |
Gel Nail Polish (long-lasting, semipermanent) |
Long-lasting color Less drying time compared to liquid nail polish |
Liquid polish made of acrylic monomers is painted directly onto the nail plate or on top of acrylic nails. Each applied layer (3+) is cured with a UV or LED light (30 s–2 min) to allow for polymerization of acrylic monomers | 2+ weeks |
Powder Nails (dipped nails, dipping powders) |
Long-lasting color with a hard, durable finish Appeals to many concerned about UV exposure with gel polish |
Nail prepared with cyanoacrylate-based nail glue is dipped into polymer powder. A water-based activator is then applied to the nails, hardening the polish | 2–4 weeks |
Acrylic Nails (tips, nail extensions, porcelain nails) |
Adds length and shape to existing nail | Powder polymers mixed with liquid acrylic monomers and then sculpted onto the nail plate | 2–3 weeks |