Nail polish allergy is generally caused by chemicals contained in nail polish, such as toluene or formaldehyde, for example, and although there is no cure, it can be controlled using anti-allergenic nail polish or nail stickers, for example.
This type of allergy is known as contact dermatitis, affects many women and is characterized by an exaggerated response of the immune system to chemicals present in nail polish, which can cause symptoms such as chipped and brittle nails or itching and redness of the skin of the fingers, eyes , face or neck.
How to identify the symptoms
To identify an allergy to enamel, it is important to be aware of the appearance of symptoms that indicate the presence of an allergy, such as:
- Fragile nails, which chip and break easily;
- Red skin with blisters around the nails, eyes, face or neck;
- Itching and pain in the skin of the fingers, eyes, face or neck;
- Water blisters on the fingers;
- Dry, scaly skin on fingers, eyes, face or neck;
Nail polish allergy can also cause allergy symptoms in other parts of the body, such as the eyes, face or neck, for example, due to frequent contact with nail polish. See how to make a home remedy to alleviate symptoms.
If a person is allergic to nail polish, only some of the symptoms mentioned may appear, so if a person finds that their nails are weak or brittle for no apparent reason, or if they experience redness or itching on their skin, they should consult a dermatologist. as soon as possible.
However, weak and brittle nails are not always synonymous with nail polish allergy, and may be associated with other factors such as the use of gel nails, gel or due to diseases such as anemia.
Online symptom test
To find out the chances of having an allergy, such as nail polish allergy, please select the symptoms you present:
This test is a tool that serves as a means of guidance only. Therefore, it is not intended to provide a diagnosis or replace consultation with an allergist, immunologist or general practitioner.
What does the diagnosis consist of?
The diagnosis of nail polish allergy can be made through an allergy test, ordered by the dermatologist, which consists of applying several substances known to cause allergies to different regions of the skin, leaving them to act for approximately 24 to 48 hours. After the indicated time, the doctor will then observe whether the test was positive or negative, observing whether redness, blisters or itching occurred on the skin.
If the allergy test is positive, that is, if the doctor observes any symptoms, he or she can then begin treatment.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment of enamel allergy is with anti-allergy medications and/or topical corticosteroids, which should only be used if prescribed by a doctor. These remedies can be used in oral tablet form, or in the form of an ointment to apply directly to the skin.
How to prevent
Since there is no definitive cure for nail polish allergy, there are some tips and alternatives that can help avoid allergies, such as:
- Change nail polish brands, as you may be allergic to certain components of specific nail polish brands;
- Use hypoallergenic nail polish remover, avoiding the use of acetone, as it can aggravate allergy reactions and can even be irritating to the skin;
- Use nail polish without toluene or formaldehyde, as these are the main chemicals that cause allergies to nail polish;
- Use hypoallergenic or anti-allergenic nail polishes, made without substances that can cause allergy reactions;
- Use nail stickers to decorate your nails, instead of nail polish;
In severe cases of nail polish allergy, the doctor may recommend that the person stop painting their nails, especially when there are no other alternatives to control the allergy.
How to make homemade anti-allergy nail polish
Another good option for those who are allergic to nail polish is to make anti-allergy nail polish at home, as follows:
Ingredients:
- 1 white or colorless anti-allergenic nail polish;
- 1 anti-allergenic powder eye shadow in the desired color;
- Banana oil.
Preparation mode:
Scrape the desired shade, using a toothpick, onto a piece of paper, and making a small funnel with the paper, place the powder inside the nail polish bottle. Add 2 to 3 drops of banana oil, cover the nail polish and mix well.
This homemade nail polish should be used like a regular nail polish, and can be prepared directly inside the white or transparent nail polish bottle, or it can be prepared inside a separate container, just enough to use once.
To prepare it, either an anti-allergenic eyeshadow or an anti-allergenic blush can be used, and if necessary, a small, well-washed pebble can be added to the nail polish bottle, which will make it easier to mix the powder with the nail polish.
