The hidden dangers of gel nail polish: Dryness, fungal infections, and more

Gel nail polish has become one of the most popular trends in nail care in recent years. Known for its shiny appearance and long-lasting durability, many women choose it as an aesthetic and convenient solution. However, behind its popularity, there are health issues worth being aware of. Prolonged use of gel polish can lead to nail damage and even pose general health risks, mainly due to the methods of application and removal.

An Israeli study conducted at Rambam Hospital examined about 3,800 women, of whom nearly 4% developed an allergy to the ingredients in gel polish. The allergy does not appear immediately after the first exposure, typically showing up after about a year or sometimes even after several years.

Dr. Lehavit Akerman, a dermatology specialist, explains the consequences: "Some women have been going regularly for years, every three weeks, for this seemingly harmless procedure. Over time, however, accumulating evidence shows that this practice can damage the nails."

Risks

Nail Weakening

Repeated gel polish removal can lead to wear and damage to the nail surface. To remove the previous layer, the nail is often mechanically filed. This is a problem for women with very thin nails, as this repeated filing can seriously damage the nail body, thinning it to the point where it breaks. This can even affect basic functions—have you ever tried buttoning up a shirt without nails? We need nails (at least at a normal length) for basic tasks. Such damage can be a functional nuisance. The good news is, it’s reversible. When nails are given time to rest, they regenerate and grow back (unless damage to the nail matrix occurs).

Dryness and Brittleness

Prolonged exposure to chemicals and harsh substances during removal can dry out the nails, making them brittle. In severe cases, this can cause serious deformations in the nails, resembling severe fungal infections.

Risk of Fungal Infections

Cracks in the nails caused by filing can create an ideal environment for bacterial infections and fungi. This can be treated with topical medications and oral tablets, but an accurate diagnosis is necessary first. This issue is often overlooked because nails are usually covered by polish, which prevents early detection. If you suspect an infection, it is important to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Skin Irritation

The chemicals in certain products can cause allergies and irritation around the nail. A recent important study at Rambam Hospital, which included 3,800 women, found that 4% developed severe allergies to gel products, especially acrylates. Doctors point out that there has been a threefold increase in sensitivity to these substances in recent years due to the widespread use of gel polish. If you experience any sensitivity or even suspect an allergy, immediately stop using these products and seek a diagnosis and treatment from a dermatologist. The findings can often be confused with fungal infections or other conditions, so it's crucial to consult a professional who can evaluate the issue and recommend appropriate treatment. The good news is that most of the symptoms should completely disappear once exposure stops, provided there is no permanent damage to the nail matrix.

Exposure to UV Rays

Using a UV lamp to dry the polish can cause cumulative radiation damage to the skin. Research is emerging about potential skin damage from this exposure (mostly in animal studies currently), but there’s no doubt that prolonged exposure, especially starting at a young age, can lead to long-term skin damage. This may cause the skin to show accelerated aging effects, with all the implications that follow. Therefore, it is recommended to apply sunscreen before the treatment or wear special gloves that block radiation. For individuals with higher sun sensitivity (due to genetics, illness, or medication), it’s advisable to limit gel polish treatments.

What to Do? Tips:

To minimize damage, it is recommended to give nails a break between applications, use nourishing oils, and work with professionals who perform the procedure carefully and skillfully. If you have very thin nails, be extra cautious, and ensure that the gel removal is done gently, without using electric filing, which is often less precise.

Dr. Akerman also adds: "For those with thin nails, it is recommended to space out treatments significantly and allow the nails to rest. It is also advisable to use radiation-blocking gloves or a good sunscreen before the gel treatment. After removing the previous gel, inspect your nails for any irregularities, spots, or cracks—these could indicate infection or sensitivity to the material. Also, ensure the procedure itself is gentle and pain-free. If you experience sensitivity during gel removal, it may indicate a problem (either nails that are too thin or lack of professionalism)—and you should stop the treatment."