Why your nails burn: Understanding contact dermatitis and how to avoid it

Ever wondered why you develop an unexpected reaction after a fresh nail set? You leave the salon feeling confident, admiring your glossy tips, only to be met hours later with itching, tightness or mysteriously inflamed fingertips. The reason behind this sudden shift is often contact dermatitis — a skin reaction triggered by certain ingredients in nail products. It’s rarely spoken about, despite becoming increasingly common with the rise of gel manicures, acrylics, nail extensions and at-home kits.

So, what is contact dermatitis?

Simply put, it’s a skin response that occurs when your body rejects something it has been exposed to. When it involves the nails, contact dermatitis is usually caused by an allergen or irritant found in products such as gels or acrylics. Reactions can range from itching, redness and swelling to nail bed changes such as lifting (onycholysis) or pitting the appearance of small dents in fingernails or toenails.

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There are two main types:

Irritant Contact Dermatitis: This is caused by harsh chemicals like acetone, primers or uncured gel that physically irritate the skin.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This develops when your body becomes sensitised to an ingredient and reacts to even the smallest exposure.

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Ingredients most likely to cause reactions

Nail products are formulated to be long-wearing, glossy and durable — qualities that require potent chemicals. Common triggers include:

Gels and acrylic
Nail glues
Fragrances and preservatives in lotions and soaks
Acetone and dehydrators
Uncured or under-cured gel on the skin or cuticle

Uncured gel is particularly the common culprit. If it sits on the skin or doesn’t cure properly under the lamp, repeated exposure can eventually lead to a permanent allergy.

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Protecting your nails without sacrificing your aesthetic

Contact dermatitis doesn’t mean you need to abandon manicures — it simply means approaching them with a bit more care. Small adjustments can keep your nails looking aesthetically pleasing while keeping your skin healthy.

Choose trained nail technicians with proper curing practices.
Avoid aggressive cuticle cutting or over-filing.
Wear gloves when applying or removing nails at home.
Patch-test new gels or builder products.
Give your nails a break between sets where possible.
Keep cuticles hydrated and the skin barrier strong.

A manicure is often more than beauty — it's personal expression, shifting with mood, season and aesthetic desire. Chrome one week, sculptural 3D art the next, and a clean French when life demands simplicity. But understanding contact dermatitis is what makes that expression sustainable, allowing you to indulge in nails you love, without pain, irritation or compromise.