Allergic contact dermatitis from photobonded acrylic gel nails: a review of four cases

Safety and Efficacy of Nail Products

“…All these patients began applying acrylic and gel shellac nails to customers within the past year, and tested positive to monomers such as MMA, 2-HEMA, HPMA, EGDMA, ethylacrylate (EA), and triethylene glycol diacrylate (TREGDA) [43]. Cravo et al [44] reported four cases, two women who were customers and two women who were both customers and beauticians. Three of the women developed periungual and hand dermatitis and reacted positively to HEMA and HPMA on patch test, while one beautician developed only eyelid dermatitis and reacted positively to TREGDA [44].…”

“…Cravo et al [44] reported four cases, two women who were customers and two women who were both customers and beauticians. Three of the women developed periungual and hand dermatitis and reacted positively to HEMA and HPMA on patch test, while one beautician developed only eyelid dermatitis and reacted positively to TREGDA [44].…”

“…More distal findings have been reported as well, likely due to hand transfer-related contact allergy or occupational exposure. The face, and particularly the eyelids, are commonly involved [21,31,41,44,48,51,54,55]. A case of cheilitis and lip edema in the setting of contact with UV-cured gel nails was reported.…”

“…Scheers et al suggested that 2-HEMA, TREGDA, and EGDMA were good screening monomers [56], while Koppula et al suggested a combination of EA, 2-HEMA, EGDMA, TREGDA, and ethyl cyanoacrylate to screen [84]. While some authors consider testing two monomers such as 2-HEMA and TREGDA as enough [44], others consider that a screen of 10 acrylics might be necessary, especially for patients who have reactions and want to continue the use of nail cosmetics [34]. Although many different combinations have been suggested, the common denominators tend to be 2-HEMA, EGDMA, and TREGDA.…”

“…2-HPMA has also been found to be commonly positive on patch tests and could be considered in screening. Initial screening may even be done with one or two compounds, particularly 2-HEMA [85], and additional monomers may be added if there is strong suspicion of acrylate allergy [44].…”