Acrylic Nail Allergy: Redness, Peeling, and Blisters - What to Do?

Question
within the past week i have noticed red dots on my fingers around the cuticle and side of fingers, then the skin on my left thumb began to peel. Now the rest of my fingers have little blisters on them. The only one that peeled was the left thumb, but the tiny fluid filled blisters is on each finger... I am going to my allergist tomorrow and having him look at it, but i have never had this problem before. I have been wearing acrylics on and off for four years or more, and never noticed this. I got a new set put on Jan 30/2011 and didn't notice the red dots on the thumb (which showed up first# until a week or so ago. Now that i look at the other fingers, there are tiny red dots on some of them, and blisters on all of them. I do not notice the acrylic smelling really strong, nor do i have any other issue with it. I pay $25 for a full set and $15 for a fill, but most of the salons around here aren't much more than $30 for a set.. I cant afford to pay oodles for nails, #mine are super super weak and rip and tear like crazy) and acrylics are the only way to keep my natural nails nice. I am interested in gels, or the shellac, but it's pricey.. any suggestions?
Thanks

Answer
Yes, it does sound like you've developed a chemical sensitivity to the products. Most likely because the product application has been sloppy and the tech has allowed the product to come in contact with your skin on a regular basis. At this point there is a very high likelihood that you will break out in these blisters every time you try to wear acrylics because your body has already learned to recognize the products as a threat.

You can try gels or wraps, but you'll have to be sure that the person applying your products is extremely careful with their technique and avoids getting uncured product on your skin or you'll eventually develop sensitivities to other products as well.

Finding a qualified nail tech isn't entirely an issue of price-- do some careful Internet searching and then call around and ask questions. Just explain the reaction you're having now and ask about alternative products. When you find someone who genuinely knows what they're talking about and offers a viable solution, give them a try. It might take some patience and searching, but it'll be worth it rather than pushing your luck and ending up not being able to wear anything on your nails.