For many years, both women and now some men have taken part in beauty treatments such as facials, massages, and manicures. But in 2023, a woman gave a serious warning after her nail treatments led to major damage to her nails.
Gel Manicure Gone Wrong
Lisa Dewey is a mother of two from Pattishall in Northamptonshire. For quite some time, she has enjoyed regular beauty treatments and manicures. However, in February 2023, she got a gel manicure that changed everything for the worse. After this treatment, Dewey saw her nails starting to peel away from the nail bed. Sadly, the gel manicure had just begun to cause chaos on her nails. Eventually, her doctor found out she had a bacterial infection and prescribed steroid cream along with antibiotics. Still, her fingers became sore and itchy; some even turned purple.
Finding Out About an Allergy
“It happened so fast – I was scared I might lose a finger when it turned purple around the nail,” she shared. “I thought it was lacking oxygen but it turned out to be something totally different.” Doctors then suspected an allergic reaction which dermatologists say is becoming more common according to The British Association of Dermatologists. Many patients have come in with what seems like allergic reactions from gel manicures.
Ongoing Issues with Gel Manicures
Dewey’s troubles didn’t stop there; when she returned for another gel manicure in April, she experienced similar issues again! This time her skin felt “like paper.” Because of this painfull condition as an NHS cleaner , simple daily tasks became hard for her: “It gets so irritated but wearing gloves doesn’t help because sweaty hands make it worse too,” she explained. “Anything scented makes it even more painful — I can’t use conditioning products or mousse on my hair.”
Loss of Daily Function
Dewey also mentioned needing help from her husband for many everyday activities: “Washing my daughter’s hair is tough since you need to bend your fingers! Even strapping her into the car — if my finger hits the seatbelt I jump from pain because my skin is raw,” she added.
Feeling Ashamed by Her Gel Manicure Results
Dewey revealed another sad detail about how badly things went with that gel manicure gone wrong: She had planned a vacation for August but canceled due to embarrassment over how her hands looked! “This has really hurt my confidence so much,” Dewey said sadly. “I usually don’t care what others think about me but now I hide my hands.”
Now Dewey warns others about what happened and thinks twice before using any nail products again! Plus, with daughters aged 12 and 3—while one is still young—the older one will soon want those popular beauty treatments like gel manicures too! So Dewey knows she’ll need extra caution when letting them enjoy spa days together: “People can get their nails done without problems for years until suddenly they face issues.”
Reasons Behind Reactions
There are two main reasons why people react badly to gel manicures: First off are poorly trained manicurists or at-home kits that don’t cure long enough leading improperly dried polish causing chemical leaks into skin which can create rashes or breathing issues sometimes; Secondly unclean tools may expose clients further!
Long-Term Effects
Sadly these effects can last long-term affecting future surgeries needed later on since exposure could lead sensitivity towards chemicals used during dental work or joint replacements procedures down road!
Preventing Toxic Exposure
One simple way people can avoid risks would be following product instructions carefully since each brand has its own guidelines—taking extra seconds curing helps reduce dangers!
Another option? Skip getting gels altogether & try natural methods instead:
Moisture Matters
Using good moisturizer improves health of cuticles & beds—every time applying lotion rub some onto nails too! Also putting coconut oil several times daily helps especially if washing hands often!
Or Try This DIY Nail Strengthening Treatment:
Mix together: 2 tsp castor oil + 2 tsp salt +1 tsp wheat germ oil then store sealed bottle rubbing small amount onto your nails leaving on for few minutes before wiping off (recipe comes from book There’s Lead In Your Lipstick by Gillian Deacon).
Alternatives To Gel Manicures
Push back cuticles instead trimming them after bath/shower when beds are wet works best!
Choose natural polishes like Suncoat SpaRitual No-Miss Nail Care rather than gels.
Buffing your own nails keeps them shiny without needing gels either way!
Lastly eat healthy foods full vitamins/nutrients essential keeping good overall health including strong beautiful Nails
