Gel Nail Allergy: Symptoms, Causes & Relief

Question
QUESTION: I started using gel nails in Dec.07 and had no problem until about October of 08.  I had gotten off the pill in Nov. 07 but got back on in Oct 08.  Ever since then when I apply the gel nails (not the ultra seal high gloss finish) I get a terrible itching under the tip of my nails that lasts for about 2-3 days then the skin under the tip of my nail gets hard and turns brown and peels and looks horrible.  I travel back and forth from U.S. to Mexico and thought the altitude in Mexico (6500 ft.)could be a factor.  I ruled out other possibilities. I tried different tests, what was I eating,etc. The last thing I did was to use acrylic on all but one.  That one was gel and it started to itch so I took if off ASAP The only thing new since the summer of 08 was the ultra seal top coat.  I put it on one of my nails and nothing happened.  So my only conclusion is the pill.  If I get off the pill again face breaks out terribly.  Now I cant wear the gel nails.  What can I do? Will I ever be able to wear gel nails again.

ANSWER: Dear Zenaida,

Your problem looks like an allergic reaction to either one of the ingredients of the gel which occurs with some people. What was not clear to me is if the same thing happened with acrylic.

There is a new product called Intense seal from IBD coming after teh Ultra Seal but no more cleansing needed.

I would suggest to try the whole gel procedure with either EzFlow products or ESN which I would recommend to use anyway (IBD has some good gels also) to see if it might have been an inferior product.

Please let me know if you have any more questions or keep me up to date. Fiber Glass might be a solution as well.

Merry XMas and best Wishes for 2009.

Yours Sincerely,

Sylvia de Rijke

Dasy Design International Co.Ltd.
Education and Distribution Center for :
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IBD UV Gel Nail Systems
Clean + Easy Wax and Paraffin Products
China Glaze Nail Polish and Natural Nail Care Products
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Lash Be Long Professional Eyelashes
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, I can wear acrylic.  I dont think the problem is the ultra seal because i put it over the acrylic and all is fine.  I though i was alergic but i had been using it for almost a year before the itching started.  I use the Brisa gel from Creative same one my old nail tech uses. Do different brands have different ingredients.  I would hate to buy more product just to find out that I cant wear that one either.  Thanks for your help.  Zenaida

Answer
Hi Zenaida,

Although I am not an "Creative" expert I do know the quality is good. The ingredients do not differ that much but some use more of an ingredient than others and some people are allergic to a certain dose.

One thing popped into my mind after reading your reply and I want you to check this thoroughly, if the tech is using cleanser to remove the tacky residue make sure that she cleanser is only applied to the nail plate and never to the skin!!.

Good Luck and happy holidays

Sylvia de Rijke

Bangkok