You Might Be Damaging Your Nails Permanently: Gel Manicures & UVA Real Talk

Is your monthly gel manicure damaging your skin and triggering hidden face allergies? From gel manicures causing mysterious eye eczema to the concerning rise of methacrylate allergies and the UK’s brand-new chemical ban on TPO, our nails are undergoing more clinical scrutiny than ever. This week, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid lift the lid on the hidden risks hiding inside your monthly manicure routine and expose why cutting your cuticles is a recipe for permanent damage. In this episode, Emma and Ellie unpack the crucial anatomical role of the proximal nail fold (the 'true' cuticle), why DIY gel nail kits are driving a massive surge in contact allergies, and how un-cured acrylates can trigger reactions on your eyelids. Plus, they examine the UVA radiation emitted by gel curing lamps, the clinical rise of periungual warts, and practical steps to protect your hands without ditching your favorite gel polish. Episode Highlights: The Anatomy of a Nail: Why everyone confuses the proximal nail fold with the cuticle and why removing it breaks your nail’s waterproof seal. The UK TPO Chemical Ban: What the new restriction on Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide means for your nails. The Rise of Acrylate Allergies: How improperly cured home gel kits are causing severe contact dermatitis across the face and eyes. The Danger of Periungual Warts: How moisture traps and aggressive cuticle removal propagate stubborn viral infections around the nail. Eczema Awareness Connection: Why mysterious eyelid rashes are increasingly linked to nail polish and cosmetic glues. UVA Lamps & Skin Damage: Dermatologist-approved strategies (including UV-blocking gloves) to protect your hands during gel treatments. Key Questions Answered: Why should you tell your nail technician never to push back or cut your cuticles? Can using a DIY UV gel nail kit at home cause long-term skin allergies? How do gel nail chemicals cause allergic reactions around your eyes and face? Connect with us: After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic Dr Ellie Rashid Instagram: @drellierashid Dr Emma Craythorne Instagram: @dremmacraythorne TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic YouTube: After Hours Skin Clinic Channel 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments 💌 Send us your questions ahsc@raconteur.tv This is a Raconteur Studios Production. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction: The UK Chemical Ban on TPO & Nail Health 02:26 - Cuticle Anatomy 101: The Protective Waterproof Seal 04:02 - The Real Danger of Cutting Cuticles (Rashes, Infections & Warts) 07:34 - The Rise of Gel Nail Acrylate Allergies & DIY UV Kits 13:13 - Why Gel Nail Allergies Show Up on Your Eyelids 13:50 - Eczema Awareness Month & Contact Dermatitis Triggers 14:00 - UVA Lamps & How Dermatologists Protect Their Hands 17:55 - UK ban on a chemical (TPO) used in nail hardening products 22:01 - Supplements for nail growth & surprising truth about biotin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices