Gel, gel polish and acrylic nails can cause an allergic itchy rash reaction, warn the British Association of Dermatologists. These reactions can be anywhere on the body, BBC reports.

Gels and polishers contain methacrylate chemicals. Allergic reactions occur often when gels and polishes are applied at home or by untrained technicians. At least 2.4% of people could be affected, the study finds.

The results

Most patients that were part of the study developed their allergy through using nail enhancements, nail or eyelash glue. A third of them were affected while working as nail beauticians, data show. The results were based on allergy tests for the chemical on 4,931 patients attending 13 dermatology units in UK and Ireland in 2017.
The allergy was found predominantly in women.

Dermatologists warn

People should be wary of gel and gel polish home kits, dermatologists warn.
Allergic reactions can occur when the chemicals come into contact with any part of the skin, causing a rash anywhere on the body, including the eyelids, face, neck and genital region. Nails can also loosen and in very rare cases, breathing problems can occur.

Artificial nails may be a danger

It is really important that people know they can develop allergies from artificial nails”, comments dr David Orton, of the British Association of Dermatologists. 

He warns that there are many women who have these allergies but are undiagnosed, because they may not link their symptoms to their nails, especially if the symptoms occur elsewhere on the body.