Letter: Allergic contact dermatitis from sculptured acrylic nails: special presentation with a possible airborne pattern.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Sculptured artificial acrylic nails are widely used in developed countries. Methylmethacrylate was first reported in 1941 as a cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Since then, occupational contact allergies to acrylates in dentistry, orthopedic surgery, printing industry and other industries have been reported.

OBJECTIVE:

We describe 3 patients with contact allergy to acrylates in artificial nails.

DESIGN AND METHODS:

Patch tests with the Portuguese baseline series of contact allergens and an extended series of acrylates was applied.

RESULTS:

We observed three female patients with allergic contact dermatitis from sculptured acrylic nails. Two of these patients were both customers and also technical nail beauticians. Two patients developed periungual eczema; one patient presented only with eyelid dermatitis and no hand or periungual lesions. The tests showed positive reactions to 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (2-HEMA) and 2-hydroxypropylmethacrylate (2-HPMA) in three patients.

CONCLUSION:

Our cases demonstrate the variety of clinical presentations of allergic contact dermatitis from acrylic nails. They show the need to warn patients of persistent and sometimes permanent side effects of these nails. They also emphasize the importance of cosmetic ingredient labeling.

• Authors: Paula Maio, Rodrigo Carvalho, Cristina Amaro, Raquel Santos, Jorge Cardoso
• Journal: Dermatology online journal (Dermatol Online J) Vol. 18 Issue 2 Pg. 13 (Feb 15 2012) ISSN: 1087-2108 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22398234 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Letter)

Chemical References

• Acrylates
• Allergens
• Cosmetics

Topics

• Acrylates (adverse effects)
• Adult
• Allergens
• Beauty Culture
• Cosmetics (adverse effects)
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (diagnosis)
• Dermatitis, Occupational (diagnosis)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Nail Diseases (chemically induced)
• Patch Tests