Allergy to shellac: 5 best remedies + treatment regimen

Do you know why many girls choose shellac to create a flawless manicure? That's right, because this type of coating allows you to quickly add amazing shine and saturate even the most whimsical nails with color. In addition, such coating is simply irreplaceable these days, because it is very easy to care for and lasts a long time!

And what a disappointment some women experience when they develop an allergy to shellac. In order to find out the possible causes of allergic reactions, let's look at what shellac is.

What is shellac and what does it consist of?

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Shellac is one of the first products in the nail industry, released by the American company CND in 2010, which allows you to maintain deep color without resorting to extensions.

The difference between shellac and other similar products is that it is a gel varnish. Thus, the product does not require filing the nails before the procedure and applying a primer. In addition, shellacs have a wider range of colors and give the nail plate a long-lasting shine.

Due to the fact that when coating with shellac the primer is not applied, the nail plate dries out more intensively, and the durability of the varnish is reduced.

Shellac is considered relatively safe compared to other similar products because it does not contain toluene or formaldehyde. The coating includes:

methacrylate;
hectorite;
nitrocellulose;
phosphoric acid;
diacetone alcohol;
butyl acetate;
phenylketone.

What explains the popularity of Shellac coating?

Shellac is a nail coating that combines two bases - gel and varnish.

Due to this, the manicure is not only bright, modern, but also sustainable.

Those who have already taken advantage of improving the appearance of their nails using Shellac highlight several main advantages of this nail design:

Durability of the coating. Properly applied shellac will not change color, crack or fall off for at least two weeks.

Strengthening nails. Before the procedure, the nails and cuticles themselves are processed, but to apply gel polish there is no need to remove the top layer of the nail plate; it is only lightly polished. Such care and subsequent application of shellac can strengthen the nail plate. Shellac gives nails a shine that does not change under the influence of water, ultraviolet radiation, or cosmetics. Gel polish dries very quickly and therefore you don’t have to spend a lot of time on a manicure session. Variety of shades. Today, elite salons offer a choice of more than 200 shades of Shellac, which are perfect for both young ladies and women who follow a certain working style. If necessary, you can remove the coating yourself. To do this, you need to buy a special product for safe removal of gel polish in advance.

Shellac coating is done in beauty salons, but if you wish, you can learn how to professionally do a similar manicure at home.

Many girls use Shellac gel polish almost constantly and do not notice any negative aspects of this manicure.

But sometimes an allergy occurs to this coating, which manifests itself with very specific symptoms.

When such a problem arises, girls are primarily concerned with the question of whether it is necessary to completely abandon gel polish, and why an allergy to it occurs.

Other causes of shellac allergies in girls and who is at risk?

In addition to shellac, the culprit of allergies may also be an ultraviolet lamp for drying nails. If you have previously noted an undesirable reaction to sunlight, it is better to refrain from the procedure.

Ultraviolet radiation can also provoke allergies when taking antibiotics. That is why covering nails with shellac is not recommended during a course of treatment with these drugs.

Dermatologists also recommend refusing the procedure:

during pregnancy;
patients with diabetes mellitus;
if you have diseases of the nail plate, that is, fungus; wavy or crooked nails;
with hormonal disorders and malfunctions of the immune system;
with a tendency to allergies.

How to avoid?

An allergic reaction to gel polish is easier to prevent than to treat unwanted consequences. If you are hypersensitive to chemicals or predisposed to allergies, it is better to avoid the procedure altogether. You can reduce adverse effects if you get a manicure in a trusted salon with high-quality products. An experienced master accurately applies the products to the nail plate, avoiding getting the varnish on exposed skin. In this case, the risk of hypersensitivity is less than when applying gel polish yourself.

Which gel polishes do not cause hyper-reaction?

To avoid allergies, you must use high-quality manicure products. The optimal solution would be to use varnishes ordered on the manufacturer’s official website or in a specialized salon. In this case, the risk of encountering a low-quality product or a Chinese counterfeit is reduced. Don't get carried away with cheap manicure products, since the price is usually directly proportional to the quality.

Early signs of shellac allergy

If, some time after the nail covering procedure, you notice the following symptoms:

fingertips begin to itch very much;
the appearance of bubbles around the nail;
swelling of the dermis and its redness;
sneezing and runny nose, lacrimation, redness of the eye sclera.

These are most likely early signs of an allergy to shellac.

Important!
If the above symptoms occur, you should immediately seek medical help to avoid more serious consequences!

Symptoms

Any component of shellac can take on the function of an allergen. Some manifest themselves immediately, others after a few hours. And still others - after several weeks or even months. Manifestations of allergies can be dermatological and respiratory. Primary symptoms:

skin hyperemia;
swelling of the fingers;
blisters around the nail bed;
severe itching, redness of the fingertips.

If no action is taken when the first signs are detected, the process will develop. This is fraught with the appearance of various complications in the form of a nail that peels off from the bed, or a rash that completely covers the hands. Dermatological manifestations cannot go unnoticed, because itching and swelling will not allow you to solve everyday problems.

Respiratory manifestations

The possibility of damage to elements of the respiratory system cannot be ruled out. And especially dangerous in this regard is isobranil methacrylate, the vapors of which “do not add health” even to healthy people. Signs indicating respiratory irritation:

swelling of the mucous membranes;
runny nose;
lacrimation;
cough with mucus;
sneezing;
attack of suffocation.

To avoid negative consequences, it makes sense to call a doctor if the symptoms are pronounced and there is a real threat to a person’s life.

Treatment of allergy to shellac

After eliminating the allergen, examining and consulting a competent doctor, as well as passing the necessary tests, the following course of therapy is most often prescribed:

Taking antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin, Suprastin, Cetrin, Zodak). The duration of treatment depends on the doctor’s prescriptions, but on average it is at least 10 days.
In case of microcracks, peeling and itching on the fingertips, apply appropriate ointments and gels (Elocom, Advantan, Fenistil, Gistan).
If watery blisters begin to burst, it is recommended to use compresses with Burov's solution, which has anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiseptic properties.
In some cases, it is necessary to use an enterosorbent and a course of vitamins.
During treatment, you should adhere to a diet, exclude fried, spicy, sweet and salty foods, as well as coffee and alcohol.

Important!
Remember that relief should occur within a few days (maximum a week) after starting therapy, otherwise you need to consult a doctor to prescribe other medications!

As an additional therapy, we recommend making baths at room temperature with decoctions of the following extremely useful herbs in our case:

series;
St. John's wort;
chamomile.

You can also add a little sea salt there for the purpose of disinfecting and drying wounds.

And to relieve hyperemia, you need to use compresses with decoctions of linden and thyme.

An excellent remedy for eliminating blistering rashes is iodine.

If you seek medical help in a timely manner, the treatment described above is sufficient, but sometimes it is necessary to prescribe glucocorticosteroids (for example, Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone).

To prevent such an advanced situation, contact a dermatologist in a timely manner!

This is interesting: Allergy to nail extension gel

Which gel polishes do not cause allergies, and which ones are at risk?

If we talk about safe varnishes, then they must be 100% original. There is also a certain “folk” list of the best hypoallergenic varnishes:

and primacy can be given to CND Shellac , which has proven itself in both quality and safety;
Next comes the no less famous Gelish Harmony . These varnishes have been winners for 3 years in a row and are distinguished by one of the most gentle compositions;
OPI and its Gelcolor also complete the list Loved by many for the exception of filing, which also harms nails;
Of course, you can’t go past the American brand Kodi . In addition to the fact that it contains no harmful additives, the composition also nourishes the nails with natural oils;
Entily varnishes are also rich in them . Olive oil and argan oil are especially popular;
another varnish that does not cause allergies and is a premium varnish - Jessica Geleration ;
InGarden is a varnish that is suitable even for problem nails;
Ibd brand gel polish has not lost its popularity for several years now. After all, safe composition and the highest quality will always be taken into account.

The list, of course, is incomplete, but we have listed the main leaders. The cost of original brand varnishes is higher than their usual counterparts, although it varies between them. For example, Jessica Geleration costs around $30, and Gelish Harmony costs over 750 rubles. But all the listed brands have one thing in common - the quality of the materials used. Manufacturers of these gel polishes use proven formulas and conduct regular research and tests.

Shellac, which gave gel polishes a second name, does not lose ground in quality and safe composition

Dangerous gel polishes or fakes of famous brands

Let's talk specifically about each low-quality product and possible reactions to it.

Blueskу is the first in all antitopes. Often causes itching and acute burning, rash with watery blisters and painful redness of the skin.
Cody, popular among our craftsmen, although considered hypoallergenic, require great care. Stinging, burning and blistering can occur if you use their Chinese counterparts.
There is a slightly similar brand called Canni , which often even frightens with its composition.
Another coating that masquerades as hypoallergenic, but sometimes causes allergies, is Fox . The symptoms are no different from the above signs. True, in the case of Fox, the reason is the body’s individual intolerance to certain components.
You also can't go past China Glaze . The name doesn't even hide the fake. But the most dangerous thing is that these varnishes contain formaldehyde.
Gel polishes from manufacturers Civi and Cristina .
The list is completed with a bouquet of dangerous ingredients by Sally Hansen, Divage, Alessandro and Flormar .
If we talk about the case with varnishes from Color Club , then camphor was detected in their composition. But it does not have the best effect on the nails themselves, drying out the plate itself.

The greatest danger comes from counterfeits of well-known brands.

How to distinguish high-quality gel polish from a fake?

It is difficult for a non-specialist to distinguish a fake from a quality brand. But it is still possible if you know what the product should actually look like. Let's look at the example of the famous Gelish brand. The “father” of the brand and the creator of the brand, Danny Hale, protected it with three patents and received more than one award for quality. But in our industrial times, no one is protected from counterfeits. Therefore, we offer you information on what you need to pay attention to when buying high-quality varnish, so as not to confuse it with a counterfeit product.

Price is a rule that always works. After all, fakes are much cheaper than the original. Because they do not undergo certification procedures and other studies.
The jars may be almost the same, so pay attention to the label on the bottom. This should not just be a sticker with a number, but a label with a barcode and instructions.
It is important what the brush looks like. For example, Gelish has a transparent brush. After all, high-quality thin fibers were used in production. The fake has a standard black short brush. The fibers are very hard and quite coarse. All poor quality varnishes have a slightly lame brush.
Also, if you look closely at the name, you can see the difference. The original has the inscription “Gelish”, and the fake is IDO Gelish, also Gelish CCO. The same picture applies to other companies.

Well-known global manufacturers understand the importance of the situation, the danger of fake gel polishes for their customers and reputation. More than one study has been conducted, the results of which are frankly shocking. The same Gelish studied the chemical composition of the fakes IDO Gelish and Gelish CCO.

Important: As a result, the fake varnish turned out to be not varnish at all, but a product for repairing minor scratches in cars. This is a paint and varnish product that contains arsenic and even heavy metals, as well as potentially hazardous substances to human health. The most dangerous brands are considered to be Canni, Cristina, Blueskу and Civi, which could not even pass the examination.

A bad brush often reveals a fake

Is it possible to somehow prevent the occurrence of allergies?

Naturally, even if an allergic reaction is likely to occur, most girls will not give up the prospect of becoming the owner of a spectacular manicure. Therefore, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with methods that will to some extent help prevent the occurrence of allergies:

when applying coating at home, purchase only original shellac at specialized points of sale (and not on dubious sites or markets), and in the salon, make sure of the quality, timing and proper storage of the varnish;
It is better to postpone application of the product if you have recently been ill, as well as in the autumn-winter period;
make sure you are not at risk of developing allergic reactions;
after covering your nails, take a break several times for 2-3 weeks;
If allergy symptoms occur and subsequent treatment occurs, stop applying shellac for at least a month;
do not allow the gel polish to come into contact with the dermis and do not touch the nails until it is completely dry;
in between removing the product, pamper your nails with additional care (baths with salt and essential oils, use of strengthening agents);
Get your manicure done only by professional nail technicians.

allergy to shellac occurs once , then most likely it will happen again. Is it worth taking the risk twice? After all, there are many other ways to get a chic manicure! We wish your hands to always look well-groomed and beautiful!

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Diagnostics

If you notice symptoms indicating an allergy, it is recommended to consult an allergist. At the initial stage of diagnosis, a visual examination is performed, because rash, redness, and swelling are the basis for prescribing treatment. If the patient consults a doctor after all external manifestations of the allergy have disappeared, then laboratory tests are performed to make a correct diagnosis:

immunoenzyme;
calculated (the leukoformula is calculated and the percentage of cells is determined);
radioallergosorbent.

To identify the real allergen, sometimes a whole series of tests is required, because the cause of the allergy may not be shellac, but some food or material, for example, latex.

Skin tests

Also classified as tests. Their essence is as follows: a drug containing the suspected allergen is applied to the forearm or other area of the skin. The presence of an allergic reaction during such an experiment will be indicated by direct signs: redness, swelling, itching, the appearance of pimples or blisters (rash). Before the test, you should not take allergy medications because they will distort the results, which will not allow you to prescribe optimal therapy.

Hypoallergenic nail coatings

Why doesn't shellac stick to nails?

Some shellac manufacturers position their products as hypoallergenic. Such coatings cost several times more than conventional ones. The average cost of a luxury high-quality set, consisting of a base, color pigment and finish, starts from 3,000 rubles.

According to user reviews, due to the fact that gel polish is a chemical mass, there is no absolute guarantee that any of the expensive products will not be rejected by the body. The immune system is a complex and individual mechanism. But expensive products cause allergies much less often than cheap ones.

Among the worthy quality products, hypoallergenic shellac stands out:

Shellac CND;
Red Carpet;
Kodi;
Nailapex, etc.

Products that cause skin problems cost from 70 rubles. These are usually products made in China. According to consumer reviews, among the most unreliable gel polishes are the following:

Bling;
Bluesky;
Belen;
Elite 99, etc.

Shellac composition

The gel contains the following substances:

phenylketone, butyl acetate;
phosphoric (citric) acid;
alcohol solution of diacetone;
methacrylate and hectorite;
nitrocellulose.

Each of these components can cause an allergic effect on the body.

An interesting fact is that many countries have banned the use of cosmetic products that contain methacrylate. However, Shellac is still popular in many beauty salons.

Other causes of allergies

The reaction can also be caused by non-compliance with the extension technology or gel polish coating. Mistakes by an inexperienced technician, as well as independent and often intuitive procedures at home can cause allergies throughout the body, not just on the hands.

Errors that can cause allergies include:

Keeping nails in foil and wrapping them with liquid when removing acrylic coating and gel polish
Lack of allergy tests before using new, untested cosmetics or products from dubious brands
Improper storage of gel polishes and related products, for example, if the temperature conditions are not observed
Carrying out procedures in a poorly ventilated area without an exhaust hood, especially when working with an acrylic extension system, where the polymerization liquid has a strong, unpleasant odor
The master can work without gloves both during the manicure procedure and during disinfection and sterilization of instruments and surfaces

Lyudmila Sheveleva

Doctor, pharmacist

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There is an allergy to ultraviolet light from polymerization lamps. It occurs rarely, mainly with skin hypersensitivity or a tendency to photodermatosis - a sensitization reaction to light. Manicurists can suffer from constant contact with nail dust. This is caused by processing gel nails and cutting off old coating. Masters involuntarily inhale such dust. It penetrates first into the nasopharynx, larynx, and then into the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause chronic dermatitis.

This type of disease is difficult to identify - it will require special care and awareness of the possible reaction of not only the specialist, but also the client.

The risk group for allergies to gel polish or extension systems includes women who are initially prone to allergic reactions. The following conditions can also increase sensitivity:

Autoimmune diseases
Kidney and liver diseases
Thyroid dysfunction
Pregnancy, especially in the 1st and 2nd trimesters
Drinking alcoholic beverages before using the UV curing lamp
Preliminary application of cream, lotion or perfume to your hands before visiting the specialist

According to research by the British Association of Dermatologists, at least 2.4% of women are allergic to gel polish and acrylic or gel nail extension systems. A third of this audience are employees or beauty salon professionals who work in constant contact or inhale fumes from nail cosmetics.

Personal protective equipment for a manicurist - all types of harmful effects in the salon and how to protect yourself

Restoring damaged fingers and nails

To restore the skin on your fingers and nails, it is recommended to follow some rules:

The first step is to eliminate the allergen. Contact with gel polish is prohibited; nail polish remover should not come into contact with your fingers, as it contains a lot of chemicals. They will make the condition worse. It is better to refuse manicures.
The skin of your hands and fingers must be lubricated with moisturizing creams.
Herbal baths are performed at least twice a week.
Wash your hands with soap without fragrances or dyes so as not to worsen the condition.
You need to take vitamins A and E. They will help you recover faster.
Painful areas should not be rubbed or scratched, as this will make them heal more slowly.
Ointments prescribed by a doctor are regularly applied to the damaged areas.

If the damage was severe, the patient experienced onycholysis, it is recommended to take the drugs Ketoconazole, Fluconazole, which help restore the nail plate and strengthen it.

In this case, sea salt baths are also suitable. To prepare it, mix a tablespoon of salt and 500 ml of warm water. Hands are kept in the resulting solution for 20 minutes, the procedure is carried out twice a week.

These measures will help the nails and skin on your fingers recover faster.