Many ingredients found within nail cosmetic products are capable of sensitizing patients’ immune systems and causing contact dermatitis (CD). Below wthis e discusntry describes 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 |