Woman Barely Use Her Hands After Getting Gel Manicures Most of Her Life

For decades, women and now some men have embraced beauty treatments like facials, massages, and manicures. However, a woman issued a warning in 2023, after her nail treatments caused severe and long-term damage to her nails.

Gel Manicure Goes Wrong

Lisa Dewey is a mom of 2 from Pattishall in Northamptonshire. For several years, she’s had regular maintenance like beauty treatments and manicures. However, in February 2023, she had a gel manicure that would change her life but not for the better. Following her gel manicure, Dewey noticed that her nails began to peel away from the nail bed. Unfortunately, the gel manicure had only started to wreak havoc on her nail beds. Ultimately, her doctor diagnosed her with a bacterial infection and gave her steroid cream and antibiotics. However, her fingers got sore, and itchy, and some started turning purple.

Discovering an Allergy

‘It happened suddenly – I feared I might even lose a finger when it went purple around the nail,” she said. “I feared it might be starved of oxygen. But it ended up being something completely different.” Dewey was then presumed to have had an allergic reaction, something that dermatologists note is a rising trend, according to The British Association of Dermatologists. Many patients came in with what is believed to be an allergic reaction to gel manicures.

Gel Manicures Continue to Cause Problems

Dewey’s story continues and worsens, as she went back for a gel manicure in April and was subject to a similar reaction. This time, her skin was “like paper.” As a result, the NHS cleaner struggled with daily tasks and doing her job as it was too painful.  “It gets so aggravated but wearing gloves doesn’t even help because sweaty hands aggravate it too,” she explained. “’Anything scented or fragranced makes it worse — I can’t put a conditioning treatment or mousse in my hair.”

Loss of Function

Dewey also noted that she has to ask her husband for help with several daily tasks. ‘Washing my daughter’s hair is hard because you have to bend your fingers. Even strapping her in the car — if I catch my finger on the belt, I jolt from the pain because the skin is raw,” she added.

Embarrassed by the Gel Manicure Results

Dewey shared yet another heartbreaking detail, the result of her gel manicure gone wrong. She had a vacation planned for August but canceled it out of sheer embarrassment. “This has knocked my confidence so much. I don’t normally care what people think of me, but now I hide my hands away,” Dewey explained. “It’s  just embarrassing to have hands like this.”

Now, Dewey is warning others of her experiences and has reconsidered using any nail products. Furthermore, Dewey’s daughters are aged 12 and 3. While one is a little young still, the 12-year-old is coming to an age at which gel manicures and other beauty treatments are popular. As such, Dewey will have to take extra care when allowing her girls to partake in a spa day. She explained: “People can get their nails done for years with no issues until one day it hits them.” 

The Cause of the Reaction

Apparently, there are 2 major reasons for the adverse reactions to gel manicures. Firstly, “poorly trained manicurists” or at home gel manicure kits don’t always cure for long enough. As a result, improperly drying gel polish can cause chemical leakage. Essentially, methacrylates leak into the skin causing various problems including rash or breathing problems, in severe cases. Secondly, poorly maintained equipment can contribute to exposure to methacrylates.

Long-Term Effects

Sadly, the effects are long-term and can prevent important surgeries in the future. For instance, exposure to methacrylates can cause sensitivity to the chemical, which is a necessary component for dental work and certain joint replacement procedures. Fortunately, there are some alternatives.

Preventing Toxic Exposure

One easy way to prevent the risk is to use the materials properly. For instance, each brand has instructions that are unique to that product. Follow the directions thoroughly, and consider a few extra seconds of “cure” time to minimize risk.

Another easy way to prevent toxic chemicals from leaking into the skin is to avoid getting a gel manicure. Instead, here are some natural methods to achieving healthy nails.

Moisture Helps

Using a good moisturizer will improve the health of nail beds and cuticles. Every time you put lotion on your hands, spread some over the nails and cuticles. Furthermore, spreading something like coconut oil a few times daily will help improve skin and nail health, particularly if you wash your hands or use sanitizer often.

Or Try This DIY Nail Strengthening Treatment:

Mix: 2 tsp castor oil, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp wheat germ oil. Mix and keep in a sealed bottle. Rub a small amount onto your nails. Leave for 3 to 5 minutes. Wipe off. The recipe comes from the book,  There’s Lead in Your Lipstick by Gillian Deacon.

Alternatives to Gel Manicures

Push cuticles back rather than having them trimmed. This is best accomplished after a bath or shower when the nail beds are wet.

Avoid a gel manicure and use more natural nail polish brands like Suncoat, SpaRitual, or No-Miss Nail Care.

Try buffing your nails rather than getting a gel manicure. This will keep nails healthy and shiny.

Lastly, eat a healthy diet as vitamins and nutrients are essential in maintaining good nail, and overall, health.