A retrospective study conducted at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel, reveals that an increasing number of women are allergic to components found in gel nail polish. The allergy typically manifests a year or more after exposure.
Dr. Joel Dascalu, a physician in the Department of Dermatology at Rambam, led a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 3,828 women with contact dermatitis. The study, conducted between June 2013 and July 2022, examined the patch tests of these patients to determine whether current testing was adequate or if expanding the scope of allergen testing would be beneficial. Recently published findings show that approximately 4% of the patients were allergic to acrylates—the largest number ever documented in Israel.
There are multiple types of acrylates, yet the standard test for acrylate sensitivity covers only one type. Consequently, around 15% of individuals with sensitivity may go undiagnosed. Dascalu and his research team found that be expanding baseline tests to include two additional acrylates, they could increase the number of accurate diagnoses by 15%.
Identifying Acrylate Sensitivity
Acrylate polymer is an adhesive commonly used in cosmetics like gel nail polish. In recent years, more women receiving gel manicures have been diagnosed with acrylate sensitivity. In severe cases, the acrylates cause nail deformities and infections.
“The frequency of diagnosed acrylate sensitivity has tripled in recent years and is a major cause of allergic contact dermatitis,” explains Dascalu. “Symptoms usually appear on the hands, but they can also affect the eye area. Patients may develop an itchy rash, peeling skin, painful deep cracks, and even infections.”
Because hands are exposed to multiple elements on a daily basis, pinpointing the allergen causing these symptoms can be challenging. Cosmetics and perfumes are known to cause rashes. However, symptoms of acrylate allergies may not appear immediately after using gel polish; symptoms can take time to develop.
Dascalu’s research also revealed that individuals over the age of 40, or those with a predisposition to allergic conditions like asthma, were more likely to have an acrylate allergy. However, current testing remains inadequate for diagnosing a broader range of acrylates allergy diagnosis may be missed with the standard test. Hence, his research recommends more comprehensive testing.
Lack of Regulation
The potential dangers of skin contact with acrylates are generally recognized. Two factors come into play when considering the potential for developing acrylate sensitivity. The first is the manicurist’s skill: precise application of the nail polish, while avoiding skin contact, can reduce the level of exposure to acrylate allergens. In Israel, manicurists are not required to hold professional certification. While some training programs are certified by the Ministry of Labor, popular online training courses remain unregulated.
The second factor is the quality of the acrylate substance being used. Israel does not regulate the use or import of gel polishes. Products imported online by manicurists may not pass inspection. In contrast, the U.S. imposes stricter regulations, and other countries even monitor manicurists.
He stresses the importance of his findings for Israel, where acrylate allergy rates are especially high. “Contrary to some beliefs, the use of surgical gloves by manicurists does not prevent sensitivity—the molecules are small enough to penetrate gloves.” He points out that manicurists with acrylate allergies should consider the practical implications, as the condition can impact their work. “Surprisingly, despite their considerable suffering, I encounter women who ignore the dangers.”
Dascalu advises that treatment involves avoiding gel nail polish. “Acrylates are also used in orthopedics and dentistry, so patients should report any known sensitivity and avoid exposure to them.”
Moreover, the increased prevalence of nail acrylate allergy and the high positivity rate among employees in the beauty industry warrant stricter regulations and the consideration of preventive measures to minimize occupational acrylate allergy.
In conclusion, the research recommends implementing stricter regulations to minimize acrylate allergies and reduce occupational hazards.