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Reaction to nail extensions

5 replies

MyWildOliveGoose · 11/08/2026 11:54

I’ve been having acrylic nail extensions for as long as I can remember.. 20+ years atleast. I’ve always taken breaks when necessary, usually every other set. So I have a full set, an infill and then a month break. Recently, I’ve noticed that my cuticles and fingers are really struggling with some sort of reaction.. they’re so itchy I could probably bite my fingers off. I was advised this could be because everywhere uses gel nail varnish now, so I requested they use normal varnish for me - no change. I thought maybe it was a hygiene issue, you know these nail shops that have 100s people each week and I never notice them change files etc so I started going somewhere with a high hygiene routine and still no change.

Has anyone else had this experience, how did you resolve it? Anyone with any ideas?

OP posts:
Openmouthinsertfood · 11/08/2026 12:32

Perhaps you have an infection? Maybe pop along to a pharmacy and see what they think?

MyWildOliveGoose · 11/08/2026 12:46

Openmouthinsertfood · 11/08/2026 12:32

Perhaps you have an infection? Maybe pop along to a pharmacy and see what they think?

I have been in there, it only lasts 2-3 days after having them done and they’re saying it’s some sort of reaction. The GP has no idea what reaction. The nail techs have no idea what reaction.

I should probably just stop having them done, but selfishly it’s the one thing I’ve always done for myself no matter what cutbacks have been made and it’s actually the last thing I have left lol

OP posts:
Openmouthinsertfood · 11/08/2026 12:50

Sorry to hear that. You can get E45 itch relief cream, just Googled and found this
Maybe that could help next time?

MyWildOliveGoose · 11/08/2026 12:52

Openmouthinsertfood · 11/08/2026 12:50

Sorry to hear that. You can get E45 itch relief cream, just Googled and found this
Maybe that could help next time?

It’s worth a try! I’ll grab some today. My ice packs have been on rotation as that’s helping lol I’ll attach a picture. It’s the smallest little rash around my cuticles/top of finger and it just itches so much.

Reaction to nail extensions
OP posts:
Openmouthinsertfood · 11/08/2026 13:02

Sorry, I've never had my nails done so don't know if this is relevant, but do they use glue to stick the nails on? Is it possable you are having a alergic reaction to that? Is it possible to try a different glue next time? Just a thought. I'm sorry you are suffering, I really hope you find relief asap.

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