Adverse Reactions to Acrylate Sculptured Nails With Particular Reference to Prolonged Paresthesia

Abstract

Acrylate “sculptured” nails are of three varieties: (1) various methyl methacrylate monomers and polymers; (2) photo-bonded acrylate sculptured nails; and (3) cyanoacrylate “Krazy Glue” nail preparations. Allergic reactions to all three may occur consisting of onychia and paronychia. In addition, the methyl methacrylate monomer and polymer nails and the photobonded variety may produce severe and prolonged paresthesia. The cyanoacrylate preparations do not produce paresthesia. Aside from the severe onychia and paronychia methyl methacrylate monomer produces, it also produces such a severe reaction that it should be noted that one patient had a severe permanent loss of all her fingernails. The patient had no clinical evidence of lichen planus or other nail disease. The toenails were normal. No biopsy was performed. The cyanoacrylates do not cross-react with other acrylates.