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.