Contact dermatitis from acrylic nails (Abstract)
Tammie Ferringer, MD and Christen Mowad, MD.
Dermatology Online Journal 8(2):22B

Background/Objective: Artificial nails have been a popular method of improving the cosmetic appearance of natural nails. Several forms are available including sculptured nails created by mixing a powdered polymer with a liquid monomer and molding this acrylic compound onto the natural nail. Photobonding of acrylate nails is a newer method based on UV light hardening. Another form includes preformed plastic nails glued in place with cyanoacryl glue. We report a patient who developed erythema and painful, pruritic vesicles of the paronychial tissue several hours after application of sculptured nails.

Methods: Patch testing to a standard tray and a nail tray was performed.

Results: A strong reaction consisting of erythema and edema occurred at the site of methyl methacrylate and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate testing. Erythema alone was present after testing of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate.

Conclusion: The patient had developed an allergic reaction to the acrylate compounds in her sculptured nails. Paronychia, onycholysis, onychia, and dermatitis of distant sites have also been reported as a result of artificial nails. Dermatologists need to be aware of the complications associated with nail cosmetics

© 2002 Dermatology Online Journal