Gel Nail Reaction: Understanding Symptoms & Safety

Question
I had been getting gel nails applied for a year and then seemed to have a reaction after the last procedure. My cuticles were swollen the pad under the nail was very swollen and up to the first knuckle was insanely itchy and painful.So I had them removed. I have waited 13 months to retry the process and I choose a different salon as well. So yesterday I had my first set of gels applied in a year and everything seemed to be good until this morning when I noticed my fingers were itchy and I had what seems to be tiny tiny blisters between the first and second knuckles. But nothing on the finger pads or cuticles. I wonder now if it is the dust and or the UV light that I have the issue with! And I wonder this because I do have a similar reaction to the sun. I look forward to hearing back from you ASAP thank you in advance Tammy

Answer
First we need to establish whether or not you've been getting legitimate gel nails. There is a huge problem in the U.S. (and other countries as well) with salons that use traditional powder and liquid systems (ie; acrylic) with a gel top coat and calling them "gel nails."

True gels are constructed from multiple layers of gel-- a thick liquid-- brushed on like polish and every layer must be cured under the UV light. There is absolutely no powder required in the gel nail process.

The symptoms you describe are very indicative of an allergic reaction. It is possible that you've developed an allergy to gels although chemical sensitivities are more common with acrylics, largely because it's easier and more common to get the products on the skin with acrylic systems than with gels.

But that doesn't mean it doesn't happen with gel too.

You can spend some time researching salons and find someone who is really up to date with their product knowledge and offers a meticulous application and sanitation procedures. If there's any chance that you can continue to wear gel nails this is your best bet as far as finding someone who is using legitimate products and is properly trained in their application. Otherwise you might want to look into silk or fiberglass wraps.