Gel Nail Pain After Application: Causes & What to Do

Question
I just got gels for the first time and they are beautiful, but I woke up in the middle of the night with them hurting.  They feel very sore and tender?  Does that mean I'm allergic to them?  Should I have them removed immediately?  Thanks,  

Answer
Dear Liz

First, I am SO SORRY for the delay of my reply. I went away and forgot to change my settings.  My deepest apologies!!

First, we need to ascertain if you have real UV Gel's on your nails and how your enhancements were applied.
- UV gels do NOT contain powder at all. They are exactly as the name implies; a 'gel' similar in viscosity to hair gel.  There is never ever any powder with uv gels. That is ONLY with acrylic.
- Did they file your natural nail with an electric file?  Electric files should NEVER touch natural nails, that is ONLY meant for the enhancement product (gel or acrylic) and NEVER the natural nail.

If your technician  A) used an electric file on your natural nails  B) claimed to be applying uv gel and used powder, then they are likely an NSS (Non Standard Salon) that is scamming you AND also likely using toxic acrylic which contains MMA.
Please see this page on my site to learn more about this situation: http://ongles-chez-victoria.tripod.com/victoriasnails/id18.html

IF they are NSS and didn't apply your enhancements correctly, that will cause discomfort and pain.
Allergic reactions to QUALITY UV Gel and Acrylic are rare and few and far between.  So, Im inclined to think it was something the technician did wrong.

HOWEVER, if you did visit a reputable technician, yes, it 'could' be an allergic reactin.  Is the skin surrounding your nails red?

Please have them removed if it is indeed a reaction, and seek the attention of a doctor.

Best regards, best of luck and please feel free to contact me again for further information.
Victoria