Beware of Gel Nails: Bella Sun’s Cautionary Tale
Bella Sun, a 26-year-old crystal shop owner, recently shared a shocking experience that has left many Singaporeans on alert. After spending three hours at a nail salon getting her gel nails done, she was thrilled to show them off at the grand opening of her shop, Illa Nocte. However, her excitement quickly turned into a nightmare when she allegedly suffered an allergic reaction.
A Painful Reaction
In a TikTok video posted on October 12, Bella warned others to be cautious when opting for gel nails. She revealed that one of her nail tips had fallen off shortly after her manicure, and soon after, her fingers began to itch. The itching persisted for a week, leading to swollen fingers that required trimming. Bella described her condition as worsening, showcasing photos of her fingers with what she called “oozing” pus and “itchy blisters.”
In her video, she expressed the severity of her pain, mentioning that it became so intense she struggled to wash her hair or touch anything. Bella later identified her condition as contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction that can cause rashes, blisters, and even flu-like symptoms.
Understanding Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a common issue that can arise from various allergens, including those found in gel nail products. Bella speculated that her nails were too short, allowing the gel to penetrate and potentially cause an infection. As a result, she has decided to stop using gel nails altogether.
Many viewers of her TikTok shared similar experiences, revealing that they too had suffered from contact dermatitis after gel manicures. Some offered tips on hand care, advising against excessive use of steroid lotion.
The Allergy Epidemic
According to a report by Refinery29, the British Association of Dermatologists found that methacrylate chemicals, commonly used in gel nails, are linked to a rising allergy epidemic in the UK and Ireland. Uncured chemicals in these products can trigger allergic reactions, leading to skin irritation or loosening nails.
The study highlighted that 4.3% of participants had an allergy to at least one methacrylate chemical. Dr. David Orton from the British Association of Dermatologists emphasized the importance of diagnosis, as many people may not connect their symptoms to nail products.
Allergies in Singapore
Living with allergies is a daily struggle for many. The Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology Society of Singapore (AACI) estimates that 1 in 3 Singaporeans suffer from allergies, with numbers on the rise. Here are the top 12 allergy conditions in Singapore:
1. Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
2. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
3. Food allergies
4. Latex allergy
5. Insect sting allergy
6. Urticaria (hives)
7. Drug allergies
8. Adverse reactions to cosmetics
9. Reactions to contact lenses and other eye-care products
10. Asthma
11. Chronic urticaria
12. Anaphylaxis
Stay Informed and Safe
The dangers of gel nails are real and can lead to serious health issues, including infections and allergies. If you’re considering getting gel nails, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure you’re making a safe choice.
Stay informed, and remember that beauty should never come at the cost of your health!