DIY gel nails from the comfort of home have become popular on social media, but they may come with a dangerous risk. Creator @alina.gene shared in a TikTok video that she developed an acrylate allergy from doing gel nails at home, causing severe pain upon exposure to acrylates. She advises viewers against self-applying nail polish that requires a UV light to cure. @alina.gene explains that salon professionals have access to higher-quality chemicals and proper training, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
While an allergy to gel nails or acrylates may not be life-threatening, it can pose challenges in obtaining future medical care. Common medical products contain acrylates, so developing this allergy could complicate medical treatment in the future. The creator reminds viewers in another video of the potential consequences of developing this allergy, preventing them from getting necessary medical care.
In response to the viral video, an allergist was consulted to provide insight into the risks of gel nails and acrylate allergies. To stay updated on health news from the KFF Health News social team, follow them on Instagram @KFFHealthNews.
This article was originally published on khn.org, a national newsroom that focuses on in-depth journalism about health issues. KFF is an independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.