In recent years, DIY gel nails have become increasingly popular on social media, allowing individuals to achieve a fresh set of nails from the comfort of their own homes. However, this practice can have serious consequences, as it could lead to the development of a life-changing allergy. One such individual is TikTok creator @alina.gene, who shared her experience of developing an acrylate allergy after doing gel nails at home in a viral video.
Now, @alina.gene experiences severe pain when exposed to acrylates and warns viewers against self-applying nail polish that requires a UV light to cure. She explains that while an allergy to gel nails or acrylates may not be life-threatening, it can still have serious consequences such as preventing individuals from receiving lifesaving medical care due to common medical products containing acrylates.
To provide insights on the viral video and the risks associated with DIY gel nails, an allergist was consulted. If you found this story from the KFF Health News social team interesting, you can follow them on Instagram @KFFHealthNews for more content. For more information or to submit a story tip, you can contact Tarena Lofton at tlofton@kff.org or follow her on Twitter @tarena_social.
It is important for individuals to be aware of the potential dangers associated with DIY gel nails and take proper precautions before attempting them at home. This includes consulting with a professional before using any products containing acrylates and being aware of any potential allergens in nail care products.