Contact sensitization to cyanoacrylate adhesive as a cause of severe onychodystrophy

Abstract

Reactions to cyanoacrylate adhesives used for artificial nails can cause both nail dystrophy and fingertip eczema, and may produce eczema elsewhere, probably from hand transfer. Persistence is likely due to retained polymer, which slowly degrades in the presence of water probably releasing antigens. Patch testing with the dried adhesive on an adhesive plaster seems to be reliable.

Severe Onychodystrophy due to Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Acrylic Nails

“…An exothermic process leads to polymerization and formation of an incredibly strong bond. Persistence of the dermatitis until the nail grows out is likely due to retained adhesive and degradation of the polymer on exposure to water [13]. …”

Safety and Efficacy of Nail Products

“…However, cases have been reported of women with patch test-confirmed allergies to gel nails, who also reacted to hypoallergenic gel resin despite their claim of containing no acrylic compounds [45]. Similar ACD has also been reported as reaction to ethyl cyanoacrylate in nail glue used for artificial nails [30,34]. Some trends have also been noted with respect to morbidity in nail salon workers.…”

“…This new standard will hopefully aid in reducing sensitization and allergy to formaldehyde-containing resins while still maintaining the hardening and adhesion capabilities of these compounds. Acrylate allergies have also been detected in nail polish-users in some cases [18,30,31]. However, in those cases, the women studied also admitted to the usage of artificial nails, which have been more associated with acrylate sensitization.…”

Adhesives and Glues

“…Eyelid eczema, nummular eczema on the hands and periungual dermatitis are typical features of allergic contact dermatitis caused by cyanoacrylate glue used to fix artificial nails. Ethyl cyanoacrylate and methyl methacrylate were seen as allergens in these patients (Belsito 1987; Guin et al 1998). Aluminium test chambers should be avoided when testing cyanoacrylates, because they may contain catalysts for the polymerisation process.…”