A Sick Talon Show

Some beauty trends come with hidden health costs. What begins as a routine gel manicure, chosen for its glossy appearance and long-lasting appeal, is increasingly ending in visits to dermatology clinics. In urban India, dermatologists are reporting a steady increase in the number of patients presenting with redness, swelling, itching and cracking around the nails. These symptoms often indicate contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition triggered by repeated exposure to chemicals commonly found in gel and acrylic nail products. As gel nails continue to dominate beauty culture, experts emphasize that the urgent need is awareness rather than alarm.

About Contact Dermatitis

Nail-related contact dermatitis primarily affects the periungual skin surrounding the nails. According to dermatologists, it often presents as itching, redness, dryness, crusting, and sometimes painful cracks. Unlike infections, which gradually worsen over months, contact dermatitis usually flares up shortly after nail application or removal and improves when the triggering product is avoided. Kaya Limited Chief Medical Consultant and Dermatologist Dr. “What is important is the exposure-response model,” explains Sunita Naik. “Patients often notice worsening symptoms after frequent use of gel manicures, acrylic extensions, or even nail preparation solutions.”

Other Nail Conditions

One of the challenges facing clinicians is differentiating contact dermatitis from other periungual conditions such as fungal infections or nail psoriasis. Dr Naik notes that fungal infections often involve nail plate thickening, yellowish discoloration and sublingual rashes, with relatively little itching. Nail psoriasis, on the other hand, presents with dimpling, oil drop discoloration, and may be associated with skin lesions elsewhere on the body. “In contact dermatitis, the nail plate itself is usually less damaged and the surrounding skin has inflammation that immediately follows cosmetic exposure,” he says. A detailed patient history, clinical examination, and patch testing for acrylates and resins when necessary are crucial to confirming the diagnosis.

Gel Nail Problems

Gel nail systems contain acrylates, methacrylates, solvents, and photoinitiators, which are chemicals known to cause allergic reactions with repeated exposure. Improper curing, skin contact with uncured gel, and frequent reapplication increase the risk. Home gel kits, now widely available, add another layer of concern due to inconsistent curing and lack of professional supervision. “Many patients assume that over-the-counter or salon products are completely safe,” Dr Naik explains. “But cumulative exposure plays an important role in sensitization.”

Voice Recommendation

Healthcare providers are increasingly emphasizing prevention as well as treatment. Dermatologists now routinely ask patients about salon visits, at-home manicure habits, and occupational exposures. Training focuses on recognizing early warning signs such as itching, redness, flaking or nail lift, and seeking medical advice, rather than masking the damage with more gel. Preventive strategies include limiting the frequency of gel manicures, taking breaks between applications, avoiding skin contact with uncured products, using sunscreen or protective gloves during UV or LED curing.

High Risk Groups

Frequent hairdressers and nail technicians face the highest risk. Nail technicians, in particular, experience long-term occupational exposure. Dr Naik emphasizes the importance of protective measures such as nitrile gloves, appropriate masks to reduce inhalation of dust and vapors, proper ventilation and avoiding unnecessary UV lamp exposure. Early diagnosis through patch testing can be career-saving by preventing chronic hand dermatitis that can put professionals out of work.

Indian nail artist Supriya Chandel, who has been working in Mumbai’s beauty industry for years, has witnessed the change firsthand. “Previously, customers were only interested in how long the manicure would last,” he says. “Many people now ask questions about nail health and allergies. I started insisting on breaks between gel sets and explaining why skin irritation should not be ignored. Healthy nails are more important than trends.”

Awareness via Alarm

Since gel nails are a staple of modern beauty routines, experts agree that informed choices are important. What seems harmless in the salon chair today can lead to long-term skin problems tomorrow if warning signs are ignored. With better training, safer practices, and timely medical care, clients and professionals alike can continue to enjoy nail art without sacrificing health for the sake of aesthetics.

Correct Nail

• Nail-related contact dermatitis primarily affects the periungual skin surrounding the nails.

• It occurs as itching, redness, dryness, crusting and sometimes painful cracks.

• Contact dermatitis usually flares up shortly after nail application or removal and improves when the trigger product is avoided.