A mom of two recently had a frightening ordeal when she lost the ability to use her hands after a possible allergic reaction to nail products. Lisa Dewey, a 36-year-old from Pattishall, Northamptonshire, had been getting gel manicures regularly without any issues for a while.

But things took a turn in February when, after a regular appointment, she noticed her fingers getting swollen and her nails starting to peel off. To make matters worse, one of her fingers turned a scary purple color, which made her fear that she might lose it.

After consulting with a doctor, Mrs. Dewey was diagnosed with a bacterial infection. To treat it, she was prescribed a steroid cream and antibiotics. However, despite the treatment, her fingers have worsened and she is now experiencing intense pain and severe limitations in hand mobility, especially after getting another manicure recently.

Factoring In Her symptoms, Lisa Suspected Her Gel Manicures Had Something To Do With Her Issues

As an NHS cleaner, Mrs. Dewey has realized that she might have an allergy to something in gel nail polish. This concern aligns with the growing worries expressed by dermatologists recently. In February, Mrs. Dewey, a dedicated mother of two girls aged three and 12, had an unexpected reaction after her usual gel nail treatment.

To her surprise, within a few days, her nails started peeling off from the nail bed, and one nail even turned purple. Meanwhile, the rest of her nails became extremely itchy and painful. She never imagined that her beloved manicure routine could be the cause of such problems.

Looking back on her long-standing habit of getting acrylics or gel nails, Mrs. Dewey expressed her thoughts.

"I've been getting my nails done all my life. When it first occurred after getting a set of gels in February, I initially thought it was a bacterial infection," Mrs. Dewey shared.

Believing That The Cause Was An Allergic Reaction, Mrs. Dewey Was Convinced

As her finger started turning purple around the nail, Mrs. Dewey became increasingly concerned about the possibility of losing her finger due to lack of oxygen. However, the actual cause turned out to be something entirely different. Her doctors prescribed a round of antibiotics, thinking it was an infection.

After removing the gel nails and taking a break from nail products, Mrs. Dewey believed the worst was over. Unfortunately, when she got acrylic nails applied again in April, the reaction became even more severe. Her fingernails started lifting once more, and the skin around her nails became as fragile as paper.

In addition, the excruciating pain rendered her hands almost immobile. Recently, she was given a new prescription for a different medication to help with her condition. Although Mrs. Dewey did not share the exact medical opinion on the cause of her symptoms, she personally believes it to be an allergic reaction.

Not Alone, It Seems Gel Manicures Are Causing Problems More Commonly Than Ever Before

Just last month, the British Association of Dermatologists issued a warning about allergic reactions related to acrylic and gel nails, which aligns with Mrs. Dewey's experience. They mentioned that medical professionals are treating more and more people for these types of reactions.

According to the association, the common reaction can be attributed to manicurists who may not have enough training or the use of at-home gel polish kits. They explained that the reaction happens when the UV light, which is necessary for the polish to harden properly, is not applied for a long enough time.

When the UV light exposure is not sufficient, it can cause methacrylates, which are the chemicals in gel nail polish, to leak into the skin. This can lead to various problems, such as nails detaching, skin rashes, and in severe cases, even difficulty in breathing. Additionally, people who experience this reaction may develop a long-lasting sensitivity or hypersensitivity to these chemicals, which is known as "life-long sensitization."

The consequences of such a reaction can be significant. It can limit individuals from undergoing important surgeries in the future, like cataract procedures, joint replacements, or dental work. This is because these procedures involve exposure to the same chemicals that trigger their adverse reactions.

Now In Constant Discomfort, Lisa Finds Even The Simplest Tasks Hard To Do

Mrs. Dewey now faces daily challenges in her life due to the ongoing pain in her hands and nails. As a result, she requires constant support from her husband, Lee, who is 45 years old.

She expressed, "Simple tasks like washing my daughter's hair have become difficult because it requires finger movements. Even securing her in the car seat becomes excruciating if my finger grazes the belt, as the raw skin intensifies the pain."

"The condition worsens even with the use of gloves, as sweaty hands exacerbate the symptoms. Additionally, anything scented or fragranced aggravates the situation, preventing me from applying conditioning treatments or hair mousse."

With a strong determination to prioritize her well-being, Mrs. Dewey has made the choice to completely avoid using nail products from now on. She is also dedicated to raising awareness about the risks associated with these products.

She shared, "People can have years of nail treatments without any issues until one day it unexpectedly affects them. I had planned to get my hands and toes done for my upcoming August holiday, but now I have canceled those appointments. This experience has significantly impacted my confidence."

"Normally, I am unconcerned about others' opinions, but now I feel compelled to hide my hands. It's truly embarrassing to have hands in this condition. There's a celebration this week, but if my hands haven't improved, I won't be attending. I simply want to contribute by spreading awareness that things may not be as benign as they appear."

Senior Health Reporter Emily Craig Offers Some Insight Into How The Reaction Initially Occurs

"The chemicals in gel nail polishes, known as methacrylates, can trigger an allergic reaction if they leak into the skin. This can see nails loosen and the skin develops a severe, itchy rash. At-home gel manicures are the most likely culprit for triggering the painful reaction but even salon nail treatments can pose a risk if the technician is poorly-trained."

"During gel manicures, methacrylates can enter the skin when the ultraviolet lamps — used to harden each layer of gel — are not used for long enough. It can also occur if the equipment is poorly maintained. If the gel is not sufficiently 'cured' for the correct period of time, a reaction to the chemicals may also occur on the skin around the nails."

"Each gel polish brand has an exact curing time which should be adhered to, often either 30 seconds, 60 seconds or 90 seconds. But experts warned that nail technicians rushing clients out of salons when the gel is not sufficiently cured can also trigger an allergic reaction. Sufferers can have a 'life-long sensitization' to the chemicals."