An alarming trend is emerging on social media, where people are attempting to achieve a fresh set of nails by doing gel nails at home. While this may seem like a harmless activity, it can have serious consequences. One such consequence is the development of a life-changing allergy.
A viral TikTok video by @alina.gene highlights the dangers of self-applying nail polish that requires a UV light to cure. She shared her own experience of developing an acrylate allergy from doing gel nails at home. Now she experiences severe pain when exposed to acrylates, making it clear that this practice should be avoided at all costs.
The creator of the video warns viewers against using DIY gel nails and emphasizes the importance of going to a salon for professional nail services. Salon professionals have access to higher-quality chemicals and proper training, reducing the risk of allergic reactions occurring. Even though an allergy to gel nails or acrylates may not be life-threatening, it can still have serious consequences such as preventing individuals from receiving lifesaving medical care due to common medical products containing acrylates.
An allergist was consulted to provide insights on the viral video and the risks associated with DIY gel nails. It’s important for individuals who are interested in getting gel nails or any other type of nail service to do their research and ensure they go to a reputable salon for safe and professional services. If you found this story from the KFF Health News social team interesting, you can follow them on Instagram @KFFHealthNews for more content. For more information or to submit a story tip, you can contact Tarena Lofton at tlofton@kff.org or follow her on Twitter @tarena_social