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Gel nails allergy - open fissures 😔 how to heal?

6 replies

IamEarthymama · 17/09/2025 13:27

I succumbed to a purchase of cheap gel nail varnish, drawn by the pretty autumnal colours. I noticed the next day that my fingers were burning so removed all traces but it was too late!
My nails aren’t too bad but my poor fingertips!
The skin is peeling and in places there are open wounds/fissures.
GP has given me steroid cream, steroid tape, antiemetics and antibiotics (I’m allergic to most ABs). The doctor is also concerned about an area on my nose where my glasses have rubbed the skin off.
I am disintegrating 😳
Nighttime isn’t too bad, DW applies the tape and I have cotton gloves. It’s difficult toget the tape near the cuts even though I have cut my nails right short.
However in the day I cannot keep a covering on my fingers.
They are so, so sore. I’m scared that they won’t heal properly and will leave scars!

Does anyone have any advice re plasters that might actually stay on? Or finger coverings that won’t look too hideous.

OP posts:
Ineffable23 · 17/09/2025 21:33

No answers I'm afraid @IamEarthymama but that sounds super unpleasant.

My granny used to cut the finger off an extra small pair of rubber gloves when she used to have one finger that split but I don't think you could do that for all your fingers really.

IamEarthymama · 17/09/2025 22:09

Thank you!
I could cultivate an eccentric look couldn’t I!
Nannas and Grannies are the best!

OP posts:
Nothereforagoodtime · 17/09/2025 22:15

It does sound like it’s to do with the gel and perhaps you had your hands near your face at some point? Just as a really random thing to mention to your doctor, in case it’s related, I had a friend who got very bad finger fissures while on statins.

jomaIone · 17/09/2025 22:33

How many nights have you been using the tape? It's usually pretty fast to help, within 5 nights I think. Can you stick the tape over your nails to ensure it's covering the cracked areas? Sounds so painful.

During the day, you can still use cotton gloves if that helps with the pain. And a barrier ointment like hydromol shouldnt sting the area, use this at different times to the steroid.

TryingAgainAgainAgain · 18/09/2025 05:46

Silicone:

www.amazon.co.uk/Silicone-Protectors-Protector-Cracked-Arthritis/dp/B08CL3SXJ4

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