Non‐occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by long‐lasting nail polish kits for home use: ‘the tip of the iceberg’

BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from (meth)acrylates caused by long lasting nail polish (also known as "permanent", "semi-permanent" or "gel nail polish") has been described both in occupational and non-occupational settings. Inexpensive kits for home use have been available for purchase in many stores or through the Internet. OBJECTIVE: To report on several further cases of consumers sensitised to these nail products. METHODS: Patch test results and evaluation of ingredient labelling of products brought in by the patients. RESULTS: Four new cases are presented. Three of the patients reacted to 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), and all 4 to 2-hydroxy ethylacrylate. CONCLUSIONS: Acrylates are present in a wide range of products including medical materials. Sensitization from (meth)acrylates caused by a merely aesthetic procedure might significantly impact health by jeopardizing access to several types of medical interventions. Policies should be implemented restricting the use of long-lasting nail polishes to qualified professionals and banning the indiscriminate sale of kits for home use.