Gel Polish Acrylates Trigger Lifelong Allergies Impacting Medical Care

Dr Dray

Incomplete curing and skin contact with gel nail monomers trigger irreversible immune sensitization that manifests as eyelid eczema and bars patients from standard dental and surgical adhesives.

AI-assisted summary of Are Gel Manicures Damaging Your Nails? A Dermatologist Explains — original source. Check the original for full context.

Source published: 2026-09-17

Key ideas

Allergic contact dermatitis from nail cosmetics frequently presents away from the hands, with unpolymerized allergens routinely transferring to thin skin on the eyelids and neck via subconscious touch. (2:07)
Acrylate and HEMA sensitization acquired from gel or acrylic nail systems creates permanent immune memory, which can complicate future medical and dental procedures involving composite fillings, bone cements, and surgical adhesives. (5:54)
Trauma from aggressive manicuring—such as forceful peeling, scraping, and over-buffing—causes onycholysis and pseudoleukonychia, conditions that are commonly misdiagnosed as fungal infections or nail psoriasis. (6:57)
While evidence regarding skin cancer risk from UVA gel lamps remains conflicting, dermatologists advise mitigating cumulative photoaging through broad-spectrum sunscreen or fingerless UPF protective gloves. (9:54)

Detailed notes

## Background Published on YouTube by board-certified dermatologist Dr Dray on September 17, 2026, this educational guide explores the primary dermatologic hazards linked to gel manicures, acrylics, and standard nail polishes. The video description outlines key concerns including allergic contact dermatitis caused by acrylates like HEMA, physical nail damage such as onycholysis and thinning, and UVA radiation exposure from gel curing lamps.

## TL;DR Dr. Dray breaks down how uncured acrylates and methacrylates—particularly HEMA—serve as potent triggers for delayed allergic contact dermatitis, frequently causing mysterious rashes on the eyelids and neck through accidental transfer. Because acrylate sensitization is permanent, it can complicate future dental fillings and orthopedic procedures where these bonding agents are routinely used. In addition to chemical allergies, mechanical processes like peeling polish and aggressive buffing strip the nail plate, causing changes that mimic nail fungus or psoriasis. To safely navigate manicures, viewers are urged to rely on trained professionals instead of DIY kits, shield hands under UV lamps with sunscreen or fingerless UPF gloves, strictly preserve the natural cuticle seal, and arrive at dermatology appointments with completely bare nails.

## Atmosphere & style Dr. Dray delivers her guidance with a pragmatic, no-nonsense clinical directness, avoiding sensationalist panic while refusing to sugarcoat genuine dermatologic risks. The tone feels like an intimate, candid consultation where medical evidence is translated into practical harm-reduction advice for everyday consumers. Her conversational cadence and sharp, humorous asides—especially when cautioning viewers against buying cheap DIY gel kits or showing up to the clinic with a full acrylic set—keep the presentation engaging, authoritative, and deeply grounded.

## Bulletin - [02:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=127s) Allergic contact dermatitis from nail cosmetics frequently presents away from the hands, with unpolymerized allergens routinely transferring to thin skin on the eyelids and neck via subconscious touch. - [05:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=354s) Acrylate and HEMA sensitization acquired from gel or acrylic nail systems creates permanent immune memory, which can complicate future medical and dental procedures involving composite fillings, bone cements, and surgical adhesives. - [06:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=417s) Trauma from aggressive manicuring—such as forceful peeling, scraping, and over-buffing—causes onycholysis and pseudoleukonychia, conditions that are commonly misdiagnosed as fungal infections or nail psoriasis. - [09:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=594s) While evidence regarding skin cancer risk from UVA gel lamps remains conflicting, dermatologists advise mitigating cumulative photoaging through broad-spectrum sunscreen or fingerless UPF protective gloves.

## Key takeaways - [00:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=55s) Allergic contact dermatitis from nail products is a delayed Type IV hypersensitivity reaction, with symptoms typically appearing approximately 48 hours after exposure and masking the connection to recent manicures. - [02:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=127s) Transferred nail-product allergies frequently manifest on the eyelids and neck, often leading patients to mistakenly blame their skincare or eye creams rather than their manicures. - [03:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=204s) Acrylates and methacrylates—particularly HEMA—are the primary allergens in gel systems; they are largely inert when fully cured, meaning exposure to uncured liquid monomers drives sensitization. - [03:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=204s) The proliferation of inexpensive at-home gel kits and under-powered curing lamps during pandemic lockdowns drove a major surge in consumer HEMA allergies. - [05:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=354s) Methacrylate allergy is lifelong and clinically significant beyond cosmetics, requiring disclosure to dentists and surgeons to avoid adverse reactions to dental fillings, bone cements, and medical adhesives. - [06:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=417s) Mechanical buffing, chemical soak-offs, and peeling gel polish off the nails physically strip the dorsal keratin layers, causing severe nail plate thinning and brittleness. - [06:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=417s) Trauma-induced onycholysis creates a subungual pocket that invites bacterial and fungal pathogens, potentially triggering painful paronychia infections. - [06:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=417s) Cosmetic nail damage frequently mimics onychomycosis and nail psoriasis, the latter of which is a critical diagnostic marker for underlying psoriatic arthritis that requires systemic medical care. - [09:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=569s) Gel curing lamps emit UVA radiation that damages dermal collagen and cellular DNA; although absolute dosage per session is small, cumulative long-term exposure may accelerate skin photoaging. - [09:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=594s) Dorsal hand exposure to curing lamps can be substantially reduced by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen or wearing tightly woven, fingerless UPF gloves during manicures. - [11:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=688s) Professional salon application is significantly safer than DIY at-home kits because trained technicians minimize skin flooding and ensure proper curing equipment and timings. - [13:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=801s) Patients seeking dermatologic evaluation for nail or unexplained skin rashes must arrive with bare fingernails and toenails, as polish and artificial enhancements prevent accurate dermoscopy and tissue sampling. - [14:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=891s) Cuticles function as an essential waterproof barrier and should never be cut, trimmed, or pushed back, as compromising the seal allows pathogens and chemical allergens into the nail matrix. - [14:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=891s) Patients diagnosed with photosensitive autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus should exercise extreme caution around UVA nail curing lamps due to the risk of triggering disease flares.

## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=0s) Introduction and Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Whether you regularly get gel manicures at a salon, wear acrylic nails, use press-on sets, or simply paint your nails at home, nail products do not just affect the keratin plate of the nail—they can have direct skin consequences and trigger unexpected dermatologic disorders. Dr. Dray emphasizes that the intent of the discussion is not to alarm people into thinking they must never get a manicure again or give up painting their nails completely. In fact, the vast majority of individuals who use these products will never experience an adverse reaction. However, understanding the underlying mechanisms and risks is critical because when complications do develop, their clinical presentation can be remarkably baffling. Patients rarely make the mental leap between a rash on their skin and a product applied to their fingernails, leading to months of persistent confusion and improper treatment.

Just like standard skincare, the single greatest dermatologic hazard linked to manicures is allergic contact dermatitis. This is classified as a delayed hypersensitivity reaction (Type IV), meaning the immune system undergoes an initial sensitization phase to a specific chemical allergen contained within the formulation. Sensitization is notoriously erratic; someone can use a specific polish or gel for years without issue before their immune system randomly develops a targeted reactivity. Once sensitized, any subsequent contact with that allergen triggers an inflammatory reaction. Because it is a delayed response, symptoms typically do not erupt until roughly 48 hours after exposure, making it difficult for individuals to connect the flare-up to an appointment or polish session that occurred two days prior. If the connection is missed, people continue painting their nails, exposing the compromised skin over and over. This perpetuates a vicious cycle where the rash becomes increasingly stubborn, chronic, and severe, causing the skin to thicken and peel until the individual is forced to stop nail treatments entirely.

```mermaid flowchart TD accTitle: Pathogenesis and Spread of Nail Product Contact Allergy accDescr: Flowchart illustrating sensitization to nail cosmetics leading to localized hand eczema and transferred eyelid or neck dermatitis.

subgraph Sensitization["Initial Sensitization"] A["Repeated Exposure to Nail Product (Acrylates, HEMA, Resins)"] --> B["Immune Sensitization (Delayed Hypersensitivity)"] end

subgraph ReExposure["Subsequent Exposure (~48 hr Delay)"] B --> C["Direct Contact on Fingertips"] B --> D["Inadvertent Touching of Face & Neck"] end

subgraph Manifestation["Clinical Presentation"] C --> E["Fingertip Eczema & Blisters Onycholysis & Nail Dystrophy"] D --> F["Eyelid Dermatitis & Neck Rash ('Sneaky' Transferred Allergy)"] end ```

[02:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=127s) What Does a Nail-Product Allergy Look Like?

Pinpointing a nail cosmetic allergy is uniquely tricky because its clinical morphology varies widely. Directly around the fingers, the reaction often manifests with intense itching, erythema (redness), swelling, oozing, weeping, flaking, and tiny vesicles (blisters) across the fingertips, nail folds, and finger pads. This can progress into debilitating hand dermatitis and periungual fingertip eczema.

Yet the sneakiest feature of allergic contact dermatitis to nail cosmetics is that the hands are frequently not the primary site of presentation—and often, they are not the first place the rash appears at all. Instead, patients routinely develop flares on their eyelids and neck. Because human beings touch their faces and necks continuously throughout the day without thinking, volatile or unpolymerized allergens transfer directly from the fingernails onto these delicate anatomic areas. The eyelid and neck skin are exceptionally thin and sensitive, making them prone to severe, itchy dermatitis. Because the rash is delayed by a couple of days and appears nowhere near the manicured nails, patients rarely suspect their polish. Instead, they assume a new eye cream or skincare serum is to blame, heading down an "eye cream rabbit hole" in search of soothing solutions, when the true culprit is resting directly on their fingertips.

[03:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=204s) Acrylates, Methacrylates, and HEMA

When evaluating gel and acrylic manicures, the primary allergens responsible for skin reactions belong to the family of acrylates and methacrylates. These monomers and oligomers are the chemical building blocks formulated to polymerize into a tough, durable plastic finish under light or chemical activation. Within this group, one of the most prominent sensitizers is 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, universally known as HEMA. Due to escalating case counts worldwide, HEMA has earned a permanent spot on standard patch test screening trays utilized by dermatologists to identify contact allergies. Sensitization rates to HEMA have surged over recent years, with data indicating that exposure via nail cosmetics and consumer nail care systems accounts for a vast proportion of this increase.

The severity and likelihood of sensitization are dictated almost entirely by application technique. When fully cured and polymerized into a hard plastic, these molecules are generally biologically inert. The risk lies entirely in contact with the *uncured*, monomeric product or prolonged skin exposure caused by incomplete, inadequate curing. While professional salon technicians generally have the training and precision to prevent liquid product from flooding the lateral nail folds and cuticles, the at-home consumer faces a steep learning curve. Novices frequently under-cure products using low-wattage or incompatible lamps, or inadvertently smear unpolymerized gel directly onto their periungual skin. Dr. Dray notes this phenomenon exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns: unable to visit salons, consumers flocked to "the Amazonian," purchased inexpensive at-home gel kits, watched a handful of YouTube tutorials, and began experimenting. Shortly thereafter, dermatologists conducting telehealth visits saw a dramatic wave of eyelid dermatitis, and subsequent in-office patch testing confirmed widespread HEMA allergies.

[05:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=354s) Why Acrylate Allergy Matters Beyond Manicures

Developing a methacrylate allergy is not merely an inconvenience that ends your gel manicure routine—it carries far-reaching medical and dental ramifications. While nail cosmetics are the most frequent avenue for initial sensitization, methacrylates are indispensable across modern medicine and dentistry. They form the basis of dental composite fillings, dental sealants, bone cement utilized in orthopedic joint replacements, and various medical-grade surgical adhesives.

Once someone becomes sensitized through nail products, that immune memory is permanent. Patients must remain vigilant and explicitly inform medical and dental providers before undergoing procedures, ensuring that surgeons and dentists do not inadvertently apply methacrylate-containing bonding agents or adhesives. While sensitization does not guarantee a reaction to every single fully cured medical device or filling, inadvertent exposure to uncured monomers during a procedure can trigger severe local or systemic complications that severely complicate a patient's medical care.

[06:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=417s) Mechanical and Chemical Nail Damage

Beyond immune-mediated allergic reactions, the physical and chemical processes intrinsic to manicure upkeep take a substantial toll on the nail unit itself:

* **Nail Plate Thinning and Peeling:** Repetitive mechanical buffing, surface filing, and harsh chemical soak-offs systematically strip away the superficial layers of the nail plate. Tearing or peeling off gel polish forcibly rips away dorsal keratin cells, leaving the nail plate excessively thin, fragile, and brittle. * **Onycholysis:** The nail plate detaches from the underlying vascular nail bed. As the plate lifts, air enters the subungual space, presenting visually as a whitish, opaque patch. This creates an open dead space where moisture and pathogens collect, sharply increasing the risk of acute bacterial or fungal infections such as paronychia (a painful, throbbing infection of the tissue adjacent to the nail). * **Diagnostic Mimics (Pseudo-Psoriasis and Fungus):** A 2025 systematic review of nail cosmetic complications highlighted thinning, onycholysis, nail dystrophy, and paronychia as prominent outcomes. These changes frequently mimic onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) or even nail psoriasis. Misdiagnosing cosmetic trauma as nail psoriasis is dangerous, as true psoriatic nail involvement is an important clinical harbinger of underlying psoriatic arthritis that requires prompt systemic evaluation. * **Pseudoleukonychia and Discoloration:** Repetitive chemical insult and mechanical scraping of the dorsal nail plate damage and clump the surface keratin, producing chalky white striations or spots termed pseudoleukonychia. These are frequently mistaken for superficial white onychomycosis. Additionally, deeply pigmented polishes can leech into porous, damaged keratin, causing chronic yellowish-orange nail plate staining.

[09:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=569s) UV Exposure from Gel Nail Lamps

The routine curing process required for gel nail formulations raises an additional dermatologic dilemma: radiation exposure from curing lamps. To polymerize the liquid monomers into a hard polymer network, gel polishes require exposure to dedicated light sources that emit primarily UVA radiation. UVA wavelengths penetrate deeply into the dermis, damaging collagen and elastin fibers to drive premature skin aging (photoaging). Furthermore, UVA radiation induces cellular DNA damage, generating reactive oxygen species that can set the stage for photocarcinogenesis and skin cancer on the hands.

[09:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=594s) UV Exposure and the Conflicting Science on Curing Lamps

The conversation turns to the potential dermatological hazards of UVA lamps used to cure gel polishes. UVA radiation induces DNA damage and is a well-established culprit in skin cancer and accelerated photoaging. Furthermore, for individuals managing photosensitive autoimmune disorders such as lupus, UVA exposure is a notorious flare trigger, meaning it is definitely "nothing you want to muck around with." The actual health risks posed by nail lamps, however, remain a subject of conflicting scientific data. Toxicological outcomes depend heavily on dosage—"it's not the poison, it's the dose"—and several studies have concluded that the absolute UV dose delivered during brief curing sessions is so negligible that it is unlikely to generate meaningful clinical risk.

On the other hand, other investigations demonstrate that UVA light output varies widely across consumer and salon curing devices. Even if an isolated manicure causes imperceptible cellular stress, repeated cumulative exposure over decades could theoretically tip the balance toward premature skin aging or malignancy. While the long-term risk appears relatively low based on current evidence, the scientific literature still contains genuine gaps in knowledge. To mitigate cumulative exposure without giving up gel manicures, Dr. Dray offers practical physical barrier solutions:

- **Protective gloves:** Purchase tightly woven fabric gloves or certified UPF gloves and snip the fingertips off so only the nail plates are exposed to the light while the dorsal hands remain shielded. - **Sunscreen application:** Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen over the hands prior to curing sessions as an easy layer of added reassurance.

---

[11:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=688s) Practical Strategies to Reduce Nail Product Risks

Mitigating salon-associated hazards does not mean ditching manicures altogether or putting nail technicians out of business. Instead, adopting precise safety habits drastically lowers the odds of developing severe complications or contact sensitization. The most crucial recommendation is to leave gel and artificial extensions to trained professionals rather than attempting do-it-yourself kits at home. Home kits flourished during pandemic stay-at-home periods, but handling acrylates without formal training significantly amplifies the chance of accidental skin exposure.

The priority during any application is keeping uncured, monomeric product off the surrounding skin and ensuring full polymer curing according to the manufacturer’s exact equipment and timing specifications. Once cured, acrylates become largely inert, but under-cured resins leave active allergens free to trigger sensitization. Beyond chemical exposure, mechanical trauma must be strictly minimized. Removing gel polish demands genuine patience: peeling, picking, or violently scraping layers strips away the superficial layers of the natural nail plate, leading to severe thinning and fragility. If a technician rushes polish removal with aggressive mechanical scraping, it is best to find someone else who respects the structural integrity of the nail bed. Excessive buffing and filing of the dorsal nail plate should similarly be avoided. Finally, clients should carefully vet salons for cleanliness and technique, keeping in mind that rock-bottom bargain prices often correspond with substandard hygiene.

```mermaid flowchart TD accTitle: Best Practices for Manicure Safety accDescr: Flowchart illustrating core safeguards to prevent chemical sensitization and mechanical nail plate trauma during manicures.

subgraph Application["Application Safeguards"] A["Visit a licensed professional (avoid DIY home kits)"] --> B["Keep uncured product completely off the skin"] B --> C["Cure fully per manufacturer lamp & time specs"] end

subgraph Maintenance["Removal & Maintenance"] D["Never rip or peel gels"] --> E["Avoid aggressive filing or plate buffing"] E --> F["Vet salon hygiene & technique"] end

Application --> Maintenance ```

---

[13:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=801s) When to Consult a Dermatologist and Critical Appointment Etiquette

Recurrent skin or nail abnormalities warrant a clinical evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist. Red flags include persistent itching, oozing, scaling, or recurrent rashes—whether concentrated around the proximal nail fold or appearing unexpectedly on the eyelids, face, or neck. Because wait times to see a specialist can stretch across three to six months or even a year, patients need to avoid common preparation mistakes that completely derail their visits.

Chief among these mistakes is arriving at the clinic with manicured nails. Patients must never show up wearing nail polish, gel overlays, or artificial enhancements on either their fingernails or their toenails. Even when a rash or structural issue appears isolated to the hands, examining bare toenails is essential for ruling out underlying systemic conditions like psoriasis or chronic fungal infections (onychomycosis). As Dr. Dray emphasizes, patients often fail to recognize early microscopic clues, whereas dermatologists rely on specialized dermoscopy tools, skin scrapings, and culture samples to diagnose nail pathology. Showing up with a full set of acrylics renders an accurate examination impossible and wastes months of waiting:

> "Don't go to the dermatologist with nail polish on. Don't go to the dermatologist with artificial nails on, with gel nails, any of that. Why? Cuz they can't properly look at your nails if you got stuff on them... Go in with nothing on the nails, okay? Including the toenails... Let the derm do their job. Don't come in with a full set on."

---

[14:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=891s) Cuticle Protection and the Bottom Line on Manicures

Whether manicures must be abandoned entirely comes down to personal allergic status. Anyone who has acquired a true allergic contact dermatitis to nail chemicals—most notoriously HEMA and other (meth)acrylates—must avoid those products indefinitely, as re-exposure will invariably provoke an inflammatory flare. However, for people who do not experience adverse symptoms, periodic gel manicures or pedicures are not inherently villainous or universally unsafe. The vast majority of salon clients tolerate them without long-term harm; understanding the mechanisms of contact allergy simply allows consumers to recognize early warning signs before severe dystrophy occurs.

A paramount rule for nail health—both in professional salons and during at-home grooming—is to never push back, cut, or mechanically trim the cuticles. Anatomically, the cuticle serves as a vital physical waterproof barrier. Breaching this seal allows water intrusion that causes transverse ridging, grants direct passage for potent cosmetic allergens into vulnerable periungual tissue, and invites bacterial and fungal pathogens that can permanently alter the nail matrix:

- **Preserve the cuticle:** The cuticle acts as an impenetrable barrier against water, environmental microbes, and chemical allergens. - **Photosensitive diseases:** Individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus or other autoimmune photosensitive disorders should adopt an exceptionally conservative stance toward UV nail lamps, as small UVA doses can precipitate systemic or cutaneous disease flares. - **Comprehensive dermatologic care:** Dermatologists do not merely handle aesthetic injectables ("fill and bill with wrinkles and cosmetics"); they are the dedicated medical specialists trained in the pathology and treatment of all hair, skin, and nail diseases.

## Notable quotes > [02:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=127s) eye cream rabbit hole — Dr. Dray

> [03:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=204s) the Amazonian — Dr. Dray

> [09:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=594s) nothing you want to muck around with — Dr. Dray

> [09:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=594s) it's not the poison, it's the dose — Dr. Dray

> [13:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=801s) Don't go to the dermatologist with nail polish on. — Dr. Dray

> [13:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=801s) Don't go to the dermatologist with artificial nails on, with gel nails, any of that. — Dr. Dray

> [13:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=801s) Why? Cuz they can't properly look at your nails if you got stuff on them... — Dr. Dray

> [13:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=801s) Go in with nothing on the nails, okay? Including the toenails... — Dr. Dray

> [13:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=801s) Let the derm do their job. Don't come in with a full set on. — Dr. Dray

> [14:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU&t=891s) fill and bill with wrinkles and cosmetics — Dr. Dray

## Mentioned Dr. Dray, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), Acrylates, Methacrylates, Amazon, YouTube, UV nail lamps, UPF gloves, Allergic contact dermatitis, Onycholysis, Paronychia, Pseudoleukonychia, Onychomycosis, Psoriasis, Psoriatic arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus

## Video description Can gel manicures, acrylic nails, press-on nails, and traditional nail polish damage the nails or cause skin problems? Dermatologist Dr. Dray explains the most important dermatologic hazards associated with nail products, including allergic contact dermatitis, acrylate and methacrylate allergy, HEMA allergy, nail damage, onycholysis, nail discoloration, and UV exposure from gel nail lamps.

Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the most well-documented complications of nail products. It can cause itching, redness, scaling, swelling, blisters, paronychia, fingertip eczema, nail dystrophy, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. Importantly, a nail-product allergy does not always appear around the nails. Allergens can be transferred from the fingers to the eyelids, face, neck, and other areas of the skin, making nail products an often-overlooked cause of persistent dermatitis.

The video also discusses acrylates and methacrylates, including HEMA, which are important causes of allergic contact dermatitis associated with gel and artificial nails. Once someone becomes sensitized, exposure to related acrylate-containing materials in other settings may also become clinically relevant.

Repeated manicures can also contribute to nail plate thinning, onycholysis, nail dystrophy, white discoloration, yellow or orange staining, and other nail changes. These changes can sometimes resemble nail fungus or nail psoriasis.

Gel manicures also raise questions about exposure to UVA radiation from curing lamps. Current evidence regarding the long-term skin cancer risk from UV nail lamps remains limited and conflicting, but the video discusses practical ways to reduce cumulative UV exposure.

In this video:

0:00 Introduction 0:55 Allergic contact dermatitis 2:07 What does a nail-product allergy look like? 3:24 Acrylates, methacrylates & HEMA 5:54 Why acrylate allergy matters beyond manicures 6:57 Nail damage from manicures 9:29 UV exposure from gel nail lamps 11:28 How to reduce the risk of nail-product problems 13:19 When to see a dermatologist 14:51 The bottom line

Key topics covered:

• Nail polish allergy • Gel manicure allergy • Acrylic nail allergy • HEMA allergy • Acrylate and methacrylate allergy • Allergic contact dermatitis • Eyelid dermatitis from nail products • Nail thinning and nail damage • Onycholysis and nail separation • Nail dystrophy • Nail discoloration • Nail fungus vs. nail-product damage • UV nail lamps and UVA exposure • Gel manicure safety • At-home gel manicures • Patch testing for contact dermatitis • How to reduce the risks of manicures

For more videos about nail health and nail care, visit the Nail Care Playlist:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUM_QJFLRbNKjI5rP_uG229xfza6pUd5F

This video is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Anyone experiencing persistent nail changes, recurrent rashes, or unexplained eyelid or facial dermatitis should discuss these symptoms with a dermatologist. FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links.

💜Shop my Amazon store https://o.bttn.io/0BwiPWFIZLG 💜Follow me on liketoknowit https://www.liketoknow.it/drdrayzday 💜Social media Instagram @drdrayzday Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/drdrayzday/ Facebook @DrDrayzDay Twitter: @drdrayzday Tiktok: @drdrayzday

Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this Youtube channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this Youtube channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

[Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavkHwIW3oU)

中文简报

凝胶美甲伤指甲吗？皮肤科医生解答 Dr Dray 探讨了凝胶美甲、水晶美甲和普通美甲可能带来的非预期皮肤病学后果，并强调尽管大多数人耐受良好，但相关并发症常被误诊。主要风险源于对未固化丙烯酸酯（尤其是 HEMA）的 IV 型迟发性超敏反应，这种反应往往不会仅局限于甲周，而是会通过接触转移隐蔽地表现在眼睑和颈部。她警告称，由于与骨水泥和牙科复合材料存在交叉反应，丙烯酸酯致敏会对未来的医疗和牙科治疗产生终生影响。此外，不当卸甲造成的机械性创伤会导致甲剥离和假性白甲，易被误认为真菌感染或甲银屑病。Dr Dray 提出了切实可行的减害建议，包括放弃自制 DIY 套装、在固化灯下佩戴 UPF 防晒手套或涂抹防晒霜、保留甲上皮，以及在就医检查时始终保持素甲。凝胶和水晶美甲产品是过敏性接触性皮炎的主要诱因，主要由未固化的丙烯酸酯和甲基丙烯酸酯（如 HEMA）引起，炎症症状通常会延迟约 48 小时出现。 (0:55) 美甲产品过敏常通过触碰转移异位表现在眼睑和颈部等娇嫩皮肤上，而非手指本身，这往往误导患者转而去更换护肤品。 (2:07) 甲基丙烯酸酯致敏会带来长期的医疗影响，因为相关单体是牙科树脂、骨科骨水泥和外科手术胶水中的常见成分。 (5:54) 尽管紫外线美甲固化灯与皮肤癌直接关联的证据仍存争议，但累积的 UVA 暴露存在光老化和 DNA 损伤风险，因此建议使用 UPF 手套或防晒霜进行物理防护。 (9:54)

Reading summary

Dermatologist Dr. Dray explains that while most consumers use nail enhancements without issue, products like gel and acrylic nails can trigger delayed contact allergies, mechanical nail plate trauma, and potential ultraviolet radiation risks. Allergic Sensitization and Transferred Contact Dermatitis (0:00) The primary dermatologic danger linked to nail cosmetics is allergic contact dermatitis, a Type IV delayed hypersensitivity reaction predominantly driven by acrylates and methacrylates, particularly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). These chemical building blocks become largely biologically inert once fully cured, but contact with uncured liquid monomers—often caused by low-wattage at-home kits or inadequate salon curing—can induce immune sensitization. Because the immune response is delayed by roughly 48 hours, patients rarely connect emerging symptoms to a manicure performed two days earlier, often continuing applications until severe, chronic fingertip eczema develops. Clinical identification is further complicated because reactions frequently appear far from the nail unit. While local symptoms include intense itching, swelling, peeling, and weeping blisters around nail folds, volatile or unpolymerized allergens are routinely transferred to the eyelids and neck via unconscious touching. Due to the extreme thinness of eyelid and neck skin, severe contact dermatitis often erupts there first, leading patients to misattribute the rash to facial skincare rather than their nails. Medical Ramifications of Methacrylate Sensitization (5:54) Developing an acrylate allergy extends beyond cosmetic inconvenience because methacrylates are widely utilized in standard medicine and dentistry. The compounds serve as primary components in dental composite fillings, dental sealants, orthopedic bone cement used in joint replacements, and various surgical adhesives. Once an individual becomes sensitized through nail products, that immune memory is permanent. Dr. Dray notes that sensitized patients must formally notify medical and dental providers prior to procedures, as unexpected exposure to uncured monomeric bonding agents or adhesives can provoke serious local or systemic complications that compromise future care. Mechanical Plate Trauma and Cuticle Integrity (6:57) Beyond allergic reactions, routine manicure maintenance causes physical and chemical trauma to the nail unit. Aggressive buffing, surface filing, and peeling off gel enhancements strip the dorsal keratin layers, causing severe plate thinning, fragility, and chalky white patches known as pseudoleukonychia. Lifting of the nail plate from the vascular bed (onycholysis) creates a dead space where pathogens accumulate, fostering infections like paronychia. A 2025 systematic review noted that these cosmetic complications frequently mimic nail psoriasis or onychomycosis, raising clinical concern because true nail psoriasis requires prompt evaluation for psoriatic arthritis. To preserve nail health, Dr. Dray emphasizes that the cuticle must never be pushed back, trimmed, or cut. The cuticle serves as an essential physical waterproof seal protecting the nail matrix; breaching it permits water intrusion, grants direct passage for chemical allergens, and exposes periungual tissue to bacterial and fungal pathogens. UVA Curing Lamps and Photodamage Debate (9:29) Curing lamps emit UVA radiation to polymerize gel polishes, penetrating deeply into the dermis to generate reactive oxygen species, damage collagen, and promote premature skin aging and photocarcinogenesis. However, scientific findings regarding carcinogenic risk remain contradictory: some studies conclude that the absolute UV dose delivered during brief curing sessions is clinically negligible, while other research highlights broad device variability and the theoretical threat of cumulative lifetime exposure. Individuals with photosensitive autoimmune conditions such as lupus face heightened risks, as even minor UVA exposure can provoke disease flares. To manage cumulative exposure without abandoning gel manicures, Dr. Dray recommends applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to the dorsal hands or wearing certified UPF or tightly woven fabric gloves with the fingertips cut off during curing sessions. Safe Practices and Dermatologist Appointment Etiquette (11:28) To minimize risks, manicures should ideally be performed by licensed professionals who ensure thorough curing and prevent uncured resins from touching surrounding skin. DIY home kits carry a significantly higher hazard profile due to under-curing and accidental skin contact, while aggressive mechanical scraping during polish removal should be rejected entirely. When persistent rashes, scaling, or nail changes require specialist care, Dr. Dray stresses that patients must arrive with completely bare fingernails and toenails. Arriving with polish, gels, or artificial overlays obstructs dermoscopy, tissue scrapings, and accurate evaluation of underlying systemic diseases, effectively wasting lengthy clinical appointment wait times. Periodic manicures remain safe for individuals without chemical sensitivities, provided cuticles and natural nail plates are protected from mechanical and chemical trauma. However, those with confirmed methacrylate allergies must permanently avoid these products, and patients with photosensitive disorders should adopt a strictly conservative stance toward UVA curing lamps.

Source quotes

[2:07] Dr. Dray: eye cream rabbit hole [3:24] Dr. Dray: the Amazonian [9:54] Dr. Dray: nothing you want to muck around with [9:54] Dr. Dray: it's not the poison, it's the dose [13:21] Dr. Dray: Don't go to the dermatologist with nail polish on. [13:21] Dr. Dray: Don't go to the dermatologist with artificial nails on, with gel nails, any of that. [13:21] Dr. Dray: Why? Cuz they can't properly look at your nails if you got stuff on them... [13:21] Dr. Dray: Go in with nothing on the nails, okay? Including the toenails... [13:21] Dr. Dray: Let the derm do their job. Don't come in with a full set on. [14:51] Dr. Dray: fill and bill with wrinkles and cosmetics

Original transcript

[0:00] Well, hey guys. Welcome back. If you're [0:01] new here, I'm Dr. Dre. I'm a [0:03] boardcertified dermatologist. Now, if [0:05] you regularly get gel manicures, have [0:08] acrylic nails put on, maybe you do press [0:10] on nails, or shoot, maybe just paint [0:12] your nails at home. Nail products don't [0:14] just affect your nails. They can have [0:17] skin consequences and lead to all sorts [0:19] of skin problems. This video is not [0:22] intended to tell you never get a [0:24] manicure. You've got to stop painting [0:26] your nails. By and large, the vast [0:28] majority of you watching this video, [0:30] you'll never go on to develop any of [0:32] these problems. But it's important to [0:34] understand the risks and the [0:37] consequences that can arise from using [0:39] these products because often times they [0:41] happen. They're very confusing the way [0:43] they look, the way they present, and [0:45] patients don't often make the connection [0:47] that it's actually coming from the [0:49] nails. So, I want to address some of the [0:51] biggest dermatologic concerns with [0:53] regards to your manicures. Just like [0:56] with skininc care products, the greatest [0:59] risk of manicures boils down to allergic [1:02] contact dermatitis. This is a delayed [1:04] hypers sensitivity reaction. Basically, [1:07] your immune system becomes sensitized to [1:09] an allergen present in a given product. [1:12] And this can happen randomly to a [1:14] product you've been using for years. [1:17] Thereafter, anytime you come in contact [1:19] with that allergen, whether it be from [1:21] the product or from something else, [1:23] you're going to develop a skin reaction. [1:26] It's delayed. However, usually doesn't [1:28] appear until 2 days roughly after you've [1:31] been exposed. So, as you can begin to [1:33] imagine, when this arises in the setting [1:35] of manicures, as we're talking about [1:37] today, you may not make the connection [1:40] that it's related to your nails. If you [1:42] don't make the connection, if it's not [1:44] pointed out to you, if you have no clue [1:46] that that's what's happening, yet you [1:48] continue to paint your nails and expose [1:50] yourself to that allergen, well, that [1:52] skin problem becomes a lot worse, more [1:55] stubborn. The skin can thicken. It can [1:57] cause a lot of problems for you that [1:59] require you to say, "Hey, I got to put [2:01] the brakes on this nail stuff." But [2:03] again, if you don't know about it, [2:04] you're going to miss it and you're going [2:06] to suffer unnecessarily. What does an [2:08] allergy to nail polish even look like? [2:11] Well, this is an even trickier aspect of [2:13] this to navigate because it can look [2:15] like a lot of different things. You can [2:17] develop redness, swelling, itch, oozing, [2:20] weeping, flaking on the fingertips, [2:23] around the nails, even little blisters. [2:26] It's not uncommon with this type of [2:27] reaction to get basically an eczema [2:30] around the nails, on the skin, the [2:31] finger pads, and even a hand dermatitis. [2:34] Here's the especially sneaky thing about [2:36] allergic contact dermatitis to nail [2:38] cosmetics is that it's not just your [2:40] hands that develop a rash. In fact, the [2:43] hands aren't even the first place the [2:45] rash often shows up. Instead, more often [2:48] than not, you want to know where people [2:49] develop a rash, their eyelids, their [2:52] neck. Cuz try as you might, you're [2:54] inevitably going to touch your face, [2:56] you're going to touch your neck, the [2:57] skin there is more delicate. The [2:59] allergen then transfers from your [3:00] fingernails to your neck skin to your [3:02] eyelid skin. you develop an eyelid [3:04] dermatitis, an itchy neck rash. Again, [3:07] not only is it a delayed rash, takes a [3:10] couple of days to show up, but are you [3:12] honestly going to make the connection [3:14] that it's coming from your nail polish? [3:16] Probably not. You're going to think, "Oh [3:17] my gosh, am I reacting to my eye cream? [3:19] Do I need an eye cream to correct?" [3:20] You're going to go down the eye cream [3:22] rabbit hole. The solution, stop with the [3:24] nails. Now, when we're talking about gel [3:27] manicures and acrylic manicures in [3:29] particular, there is one category of [3:31] sneaky allergens. These are known as [3:33] acryates and methacrylates. These are [3:35] the chemicals that are often utilized to [3:38] create that hardened finish of [3:40] artificial nails and gel nail products. [3:43] And one particularly important allergen [3:45] in this category is something called [3:47] HEA. That stands for two [3:48] hydroxythylmethacrylate. [3:50] HEA has actually been included in the [3:52] contact dermatitis standard panel of [3:54] allergens. When you undergo patch [3:56] testing to figure out, okay, what might [3:58] you be allergic to? Sensitization rates [4:01] to HEA have increased over the past [4:03] several years and recent studies suggest [4:06] that a large proportion of HEA [4:09] sensitization is the result of exposure [4:12] to it through nail cosmetics, nail care [4:14] products. But there is a little bit of [4:16] extra nuance here that is super [4:18] important and that is the application [4:21] technique dictates the overall risk [4:24] severity because these products have to [4:26] undergo curing to harden. unccured [4:29] product is actually the problem and [4:32] therefore contact with the unccured [4:34] product to the skin or a prolonged [4:37] contact due to insufficient hardening [4:40] that that is an especially risky [4:42] scenario. And you want to know where [4:44] that scenario comes up the most? It's [4:46] not when you go to the nail salon [4:48] because there you have someone applying [4:51] it to your nails and they're going to [4:53] have a more precise technique. Let's [4:55] face it, they're not going to have the [4:57] learning curve one would hope that you [4:59] will when you start experimenting with [5:01] at home gel nail care products and they [5:04] are going to be professionals that know [5:07] proper curing technique. In other words, [5:09] as a novice, you are a lot more likely [5:12] to inadequately cure it or to get it on [5:16] your hands somehow, expose yourself to [5:18] the unccured hea and put yourself at [5:21] risk. And nothing was clearer about this [5:23] than, you guessed it, the stay-at-home [5:25] time around the pandemic because a lot [5:28] of people couldn't get into their nail [5:29] appointments. So, they went to the [5:31] Amazonian and they're like, "hm, I'm [5:33] going to learn how to do this myself at [5:35] home." Watched a couple of YouTube [5:37] videos, started doing it at home. Boom. [5:40] All of a sudden, cuz Tella Health was [5:42] real big at that time, we're seeing a [5:43] lot of eyelid dermatitis and thinking, [5:46] "Yeah, these patients really need to get [5:48] screened for this." Bringing people in, [5:50] doing the patch testing, boom, hea [5:53] allergy out the out the wazoo. Here's [5:55] another reason why though the [5:57] methacrylate allergy is especially [6:00] tricky because yes, the nail cosmetics [6:04] are the likely scenario where you're [6:06] going to be coming in contact with it [6:08] the most if that's something you pursue [6:10] and the environment the situation where [6:12] you're likely to get sensitized to it. [6:15] But methacrylates are not solely present [6:18] in nail stuff. They're also widely used [6:20] in medicine and dentistry. So once you [6:23] develop the methacrylate allergy, you've [6:26] got to be extra vigilant. Notify your [6:28] health care providers, especially if [6:30] you're going to undergo a procedure to [6:32] make sure they don't use any surgical [6:34] adhesives, bonding materials that [6:36] contain methacrylates. Just because you [6:39] are sensitized to methacrylates, [6:41] however, it doesn't necessarily mean [6:43] that you are 100% going to react to [6:46] every single methacrylate containing [6:48] thing that you come in contact with. [6:50] Again, it's going to be the unccured [6:51] antigen that is the culprit. It does [6:54] make it a lot more likely and can really [6:56] complicate your life. Aside from [6:58] allergic contact dermatitis, the other [7:00] thing I want to talk about is that the [7:02] manicuring processes [7:04] themselves can actually be pretty [7:06] damaging to your nail depending on what [7:08] all is being done because repeated [7:10] filing, buffing, and removal of the [7:13] artificial nails over time that can thin [7:15] the nail plate. Also, the peeling off of [7:17] the gel nail polish can take away layers [7:20] of your nail plate. Not only can the [7:22] nails become very very very thin and [7:24] brittle, but you can also develop a nail [7:26] problem referred to asis. This is where [7:29] the nail plate actually lifts up from [7:32] the underlying nail bed, air gets up [7:34] under the nail and it looks like a big [7:36] white blob on the nail. The problem here [7:38] is that because the nail plate has [7:41] lifted up and you have that little air [7:42] bubble under there. Well, that is an [7:45] opening for which microbes can get in [7:47] and you can develop an infection like a [7:49] parinchia. very uncomfortable, very [7:52] painful. A 2025 systematic review of [7:54] nail cosmetics reported complications [7:57] that included, of course, nail thinning, [7:59] onolysis, nail distrophe, parinchia, [8:02] that's that infection around the nail um [8:04] associated with nail cosmetics. The [8:06] tricky thing here too is that these [8:08] changes can sometimes look like other [8:10] nail diseases. For example, can look an [8:13] awful lot like a nail infection with [8:16] fungus. Uh you know, a fungal nail. [8:18] Again, like I mentioned earlier, it can [8:20] fool the eye into thinking, "Do I have [8:22] nail psoriasis?" And that's not [8:24] something you want to sleep on because [8:26] nail psoriasis can be a warning sign of [8:30] underlying uh risk for arthritis in [8:32] someone with psoriasis. So, you don't [8:34] want to misdiagnose it um or miss it. [8:37] So, in other words, it needs to be [8:38] worked up properly. But yeah, a pseudo [8:41] sororiatic nail can be a presentation of [8:44] nail cosmetic allergy. Now, another [8:47] complication, the little white patches, [8:49] the lines that appear when you take the [8:51] polish off and you're like, "What the [8:53] heck is going on with my nail plate?" [8:55] Well, the repetitive damage to the [8:57] superficial aspect of the nail plate, it [9:00] can cause something known as [9:02] pseudolucania. These are little white [9:05] spots that look like a superficial [9:08] fungal infection. It's really just the [9:10] result of kind of a damaged, clumped [9:12] together nail plate keratin, but it's [9:14] easy to scare you. And also, the nail [9:17] polish can discolor the nail plate [9:19] itself, make it look yellowish. White [9:22] spots, yellowing of the nails, [9:24] discoloration. It's not always a sign of [9:27] an infection, but definitely important [9:28] to rule out here. What about those UV [9:31] lamps? Are those going to age our skin? [9:34] Are they going to put us at increased [9:35] risk for skin cancer? Gel nail products [9:38] have to be polymerized using a light [9:40] source and the lamps used often emit UVA [9:43] radiation. UVA is part of the sun's [9:45] ultraviolet range that really damages [9:48] the deeper layers of your skin, leads to [9:50] premature skin aging and also can [9:52] contribute to setting the stage for [9:54] different skin cancers. And of course, [9:55] if you have an underlying photosensitive [9:57] disease like lupus for example, UVA is [10:01] often a culprit trigger for your [10:04] photosensitivity. So UVA is nothing you [10:07] want to muck around with and it causes [10:09] DNA damage. So this is a very valid [10:11] concern. However, the data are [10:13] conflicting because when it comes to [10:16] toxicity, adverse effects, remember it's [10:18] not the poison, it's the dose. And some [10:20] studies have estimated that the amount [10:23] of UV you're exposed to from these lamps [10:26] is so so so so negligible, it's unlikely [10:30] to put you at significant risk. But [10:32] other research has pointed out that the [10:34] UVA outputs from these devices can vary [10:37] and the repeated exposures, even though [10:40] they may not immediately cause damage, [10:43] perhaps over time, just that cumulative [10:45] exposure could tip the scale in favor of [10:47] more advanced aging and even potentially [10:50] skin cancer. But we simply don't have [10:52] the data on that yet. It seems unlikely, [10:54] but definitely worth keeping in the back [10:56] of your head. And one thing I suggest [10:58] people to do if they do pursue these [11:01] types of manicures is to get yourself [11:03] some gloves uh that are of a dense [11:06] weave. Don't allow light through or get [11:08] yourself some UPF gloves. Cut the [11:11] fingertips off so that just your nails [11:14] poke out. That way your hands are [11:16] protected. At the very least put some [11:18] sunscreen on your hands before you [11:19] undergo these treatments. Uh just for a [11:22] little added reassurance. But [11:24] unfortunately it's a gap in knowledge. [11:26] seems low risk, but I can't guarantee it [11:28] either. What can you do to reduce your [11:30] risks of these things happening? Do you [11:32] have to completely never ever ever ever [11:34] pursue a manicure? If you're a nail [11:35] technician, you're like, "Great, there [11:37] goes my job." No, actually, if you're [11:39] into getting gel nails, artificial nails [11:42] put on, definitely go to a professional. [11:44] Don't try and DIY it at home. [11:46] Fortunately, the stay-at-home thing is [11:47] done. Go into the salon, get get it done [11:49] there. They are professionals much lower [11:52] risk, although not zero risk of [11:54] developing the sensitization to hea. Of [11:56] course, if you're already sensitized to [11:58] hea, those are off the table. You can't [12:00] be exposed to it. It'll always cause a [12:01] problem no matter who's putting it on. [12:03] You want to be keeping the unccured [12:05] product off of the skin. Proper curing, [12:08] following the manufacturer's [12:09] recommendations, is key. Third, don't [12:12] peel or rip off gel polish. I know [12:14] patience is one of those virtues that [12:16] seems very out of reach, but uh try and [12:19] be patient and uh remove them according [12:22] to how they should be removed. And if [12:24] you're going to a nail technician who's [12:26] real hasty about that and doesn't want [12:28] to go through the proper thing, find [12:29] another nail technician. It's not worth [12:31] destroying your nail plates in the [12:33] process because they're going to have a [12:35] very unhappy customer who's probably not [12:37] going to come back. So, it's in their [12:39] best interest to remove it according to [12:41] how it should be removed. And then [12:43] fourth, avoid excessive filing or [12:45] buffing of the nail plate. That thins [12:46] the plate over time and really vet the [12:49] nail salon that you're going to. Uh I [12:51] have found in my personal experience [12:53] that some are a little bit more diligent [12:56] than others. You will find those rogue [12:58] nail salons where you're like, "Should I [13:00] really put my feet in here? They do pop [13:02] up from time to time, but I don't want [13:04] to paint the entire industry like that." [13:05] As someone who from time to time does [13:07] enjoy getting a pedicure, and I've never [13:09] had any problems, and I've always felt [13:11] very comfortable. But just be vigilant. [13:13] You know, sometimes things that are [13:15] seemingly too good to be true as far as [13:18] the price, yeah, sometimes you get what [13:20] you pay for. When should you see a [13:21] dermatologist? All right. Um, now if [13:23] you've developed itching, oozing, rashes [13:26] that keep coming up, whether it be [13:27] around your nails, but also remember [13:29] eyelids, neck, face, even. Definitely [13:31] worth seeing a dermatologist. As a side [13:33] note, when you see a dermatologist, cuz [13:35] let's face it, a lot of times it takes [13:37] some time to actually get in to see [13:38] them. You got to wait. Don't go to the [13:40] dermatologist with nail polish on. Don't [13:42] go to the dermatologist with artificial [13:45] nails on, with gel nails, any of that. [13:47] Why? Cuz they can't properly look at [13:49] your nails if you got stuff on them. [13:51] Okay? Seems like uh really, but trust [13:55] me, I want to spare you guys the [13:56] headache, the frustration of waiting 3 [13:59] months, 4 months, 6 months, a year to [14:01] get in to see a dermatologist to figure [14:03] out what the heck is going on only for [14:05] them to be like, "Oh, you've got nail [14:07] polish on. can't really examine you. [14:10] Hard to say what you got. Don't waste [14:12] your time. Go in with nothing on the [14:14] nails, okay? Including the toenails. All [14:16] right? Just because you're like, "Yeah, [14:18] it's only on my hands." Whatever. Take [14:20] the toenails off, too. Okay? We still [14:22] need to look at the toenails. Make sure [14:24] you don't have psoriasis. Okay? Make [14:26] sure you don't have a fungal nail [14:28] infection going on. If you don't have [14:30] toenail involvement, you know, that [14:31] helps us, but we need to look at the [14:33] toenails. We can't rely on you telling [14:35] us cuz guess what? Patients are not [14:36] dermatologists. They don't know what [14:38] they're even looking for. We know the [14:39] early early early subtle teeny tiny [14:42] warning signs and we have those little [14:43] magnifying glasses and we have stuff [14:45] that we can take samples and scrapings [14:46] and things like that. So, in other [14:48] words, let the derm do their job. Don't [14:50] come in with a full set on. Should you [14:52] stop getting manicures? Well, if you've [14:54] developed an allergic reaction to [14:56] something in nail polish, most common is [14:58] going to be that hea in the artificial [15:00] nail products, gels, and what have you, [15:03] then yeah, you kind of do just need to [15:05] avoid that stuff altogether. It's going [15:07] to cause problems for you. But in the [15:09] absence of any problems, if you from [15:11] time to time enjoy these types of [15:13] manicures, does that make them bad? No, [15:15] absolutely not. Just want you guys to be [15:17] aware of potential complications that [15:19] can arise so that you promptly identify [15:22] them. But like I said at the start of [15:23] the video, the majority of you all are [15:25] not going to go on to have problems that [15:27] we pointed out in this video. But if [15:29] they do arise, at least you have some [15:30] understanding now so you don't spin your [15:32] wheels in frustration. The other thing [15:34] that's really, really important, whether [15:36] it be in the salon or you taking care of [15:38] your nails at home, is don't push back [15:42] or trim the cuticles because the cuticle [15:45] is very protective. All right? It limits [15:48] water getting up under there and leading [15:50] to nail ridging as well as limits the [15:53] access of those allergens to the skin [15:55] around your nails and limits the access [15:59] of microbes which will jack up your [16:01] nails and cause a lot of problems for [16:03] you. If you are getting manicures that [16:05] need to be cured, uh, make sure you be a [16:08] little cautious just due to the unknown [16:10] about UV exposure from those. Wear some [16:13] gloves or sunscreen at any rate. And if [16:15] you have lupus or photosensitive skin [16:18] disease, I would suggest being a lot [16:20] more conservative. The last thing you [16:22] want is a lupus flare from one of these [16:25] devices. It is theoretically possible. [16:27] Patients with lupus are incredibly [16:29] sensitive and that kind of sensitivity [16:31] can vary from patient to patient. Also, [16:33] other autoimmune skin diseases that come [16:35] with photosensitivity. You really want [16:37] to you really want to be real vigilant [16:39] there. All right, y'all. I hope today's [16:41] video with regards to the potential [16:44] harms potential harms from your [16:47] manicures. I hope this was informative. [16:48] On the ends, I'm going to put a recent [16:50] video all about my top nail care tips. [16:54] If you watch that video, your eyes will [16:56] be open and be like, "Wow, I'm going to [16:57] start doing that." So, watch that. I [16:59] also have a nail care playlist, okay? [17:01] Cuz dermatologists, we don't just fill [17:03] and bill with the uh, you know, wrinkles [17:06] and the cosmetics. We see dermatologic [17:08] diseases and we are the specialty that [17:11] focuses on all things nails. So check [17:14] out that playlist if you got some kind [17:15] of nail thing going on. But if you guys [17:17] enjoyed today's video, give it a thumbs [17:18] up, share it with your friends, and as [17:20] always, don't forget sunscreen and [17:21] subscribe. I'll talk to you guys [17:22] tomorrow. Bye. [17:41] [music]