Manicures and pedicures are generally safe and a popular way to keep nails looking polished and well-groomed. However, because these services involve trimming, filing, cuticle care, and shared tools, they can occasionally lead to skin irritation, nail damage, or even infections if proper hygiene practices aren’t followed. Understanding the potential risks—and how to minimize them—can help you enjoy salon services more safely. According to Dr. Amreen Sitabkhan of U.S. Dermatology Partners Carrollton and North Dallas, “Most patients assume manicures and pedicures are completely risk-free, but I do occasionally see infections, nail trauma, or skin irritation related to salon treatments. The good news is that many of these issues are preventable when patients know what to look for and choose salons that follow proper hygiene practices.” In this blog, Dr. Sitabkhan discusses manicure infection risks, what to look out for at the salon, and how to prevent skin and nail health issues following nail treatments.
How Manicures & Pedicures Can Affect Nail Health
The most common and obvious concern dermatologists have with manicures and pedicures is their adverse impact on nail health. Regularly receiving gel manicures, acrylic nails, and other treatments can weaken, crack, and peel nails. That starts with the application process. Manicures require the nail to be buffed before polish is applied. This buffing thins nails, making them weaker and more likely to break and split. Similarly, excessive nail filing, especially with more powerful electronic files, can split and damage nails and surrounding tissue.
Applying artificial nails or acrylic nail enhancers places stress on the natural nail below. This is especially true when false nails are applied and reapplied without a break between or removed improperly. Removing nail polish incorrectly by picking or peeling away the gel is another way that nails become damaged, leading to soft nails and separation from the nail bed.
According to Dr. Sitabkhan, “Infection is another concern with artificial nails. When improperly applied or lifting occurs, moisture can be trapped between the natural and artificial nail. This creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungus that can cause infection. While bacterial infections are relatively easy to address, fungal infections can be challenging. Let your dermatologist know right away if you notice any itching, swelling, heat, or other signs of infection.”
The following warning signs may indicate damage from manicures or pedicures:
- Nail peeling or splitting.
- Thinning or soft feeling nails.
- White patches or discoloration.
- Ridges or rough texture.
- Pain or sensitivity.
- Nails that are lifting or separating from the nail beds.
Allergic Reactions from Nail Products
Nail care products such as polishes, gels, acrylics, and adhesives can sometimes trigger allergic contact dermatitis. This occurs when the immune system becomes sensitized to certain ingredients, often after repeated exposure. Common symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis include redness, itching, and swelling after application. One of the most frequent causes of these reactions is exposure to acrylates and methacrylates, chemicals commonly found in gel manicures, acrylic nails, dip powders, and nail adhesives. Reactions are more likely to occur when these products come into contact with the surrounding skin or when gel products are not fully cured. Once an allergy develops, individuals may also react to related ingredients found in other products, including some medical adhesives and dental materials.
Even traditional nail polishes are not risk-free. Many contain tosylamide-formaldehyde resin, a hardening agent that improves durability and helps prevent chipping. However, this ingredient can also trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly with frequent or long-term use. The following warning signs may indicate an allergic response to nail care products:
- Itching, burning, or tingling sensation around nails.
- Redness and swelling.
- Peeling, cracked, or scaly skin.
- Cuticles that are sensitive to the touch.
Eyelid Dermatitis & Facial Reactions from Nail Products
Many patients aren’t aware that nail products can contribute to eyelid dermatitis and facial irritation. This occurs when allergens from nail polish, gel, or acrylic products are transferred from the hands to the face. Because the skin around the eyes is thin and more sensitive, eyelid dermatitis is often triggered by touching or rubbing eyes after manicures. People frequently touch their face to scratch an itch, apply cosmetics, or during cleansing and skincare, but they may not even realize that their manicure is triggering an allergic response. It can take weeks or months of changing cosmetics and skincare products assuming that’s the cause of chronic skin irritation before patients discover the true cause. Even more confusing, patients often experience allergic response on the more sensitive skin on the face, but they don’t have the same symptoms on their hands. According to Dr. Sitabkhan, “I often see patients with chronic eyelid or facial rashes who are surprised to learn the source is nail polish or artificial nail products. In these cases, patch testing can help identify the specific allergen, and symptoms typically improve once exposure is eliminated.”
The following warning signs may indicate eyelid or facial contact dermatitis triggered by ingredients found in nail products:
- Intense itch.
- Swollen or irritated eyelids.
- Skin redness.
- Stinging or burning sensation.
- Scaling (thickening) of skin.
- Dryness or peeling.
UV Nail Lamps & Skin Aging Concerns
Because gel manicures require curing under UV or LED nail lamps to set the polish, accelerated signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots are considered gel manicure side effects. While these curing lights have relatively low levels of ultraviolet radiation compared to other sources like sunlight and tanning beds, the cumulative effects of UV damage can add up even at low concentrations. Because hands are not usually covered, they receive a lot of UV exposure in a lifetime, making them one of the first parts of the body to show signs of aging. Adding additional UV exposure with gel manicure curing lights can further accelerate skin damage, especially for those who receive nail treatments frequently. Exposure to the UV rays in curing lamps is low risk, however, patients can further decrease risk by:
- Applying sunscreen to hands before receiving manicures.
- Wear manicure gloves with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings to protect skin.
- Take breaks from manicures periodically.
Infection Risks from Manicures & Pedicures
Most reputable salons have good sanitation and sterilization practices that reduce infection risks of manicures and pedicures, but even the cleanliest salons can still expose people to infection risks through shared tools, manipulation of the skin around the nails, and poor cleaning and sanitation practices. Bacterial and fungal infections are most common, but warts, a symptom of viral infection, may also develop. Paronychia, infection around the nails, may occur if tools are reused without proper sterilization. Foot baths for pedicures require very thorough cleaning protocols to prevent the spread of bacterial infections. Open wounds, small cuts, and dry skin increase risk of infection as environmental aggressors have more direct access to penetrate deeper into skin. Some things that increase infection risk during manicures and pedicures include:
- Use of improperly sterilized tools.
- Cuticle cutting.
- Filing or buffing too extensively.
- Hangnails.
- Moisture trapped under artificial nails.
- Unsanitary foot baths.
- Skin damage.
- Shaving legs immediately before pedicures as it can cause microscopic injuries.
Dermatologist Tips for Safer Manicures & Pedicures
Dr. Sitabkhan says, “I encourage patients to enjoy manicures and pedicures, but to be mindful of how they’re performed. Choosing safer salon practices and paying attention to product use can greatly reduce the risk of complications.” Explore Dr. Sitabkhan healthy nail tips below for safer manicures and pedicures:
- Choose a reputable salon or spa – like most businesses, nail salons have to uphold a high standard of cleanliness and sanitation to meet industry regulations. Management at reputable salons should happily answer any questions clients have about their sterilization protocols.
- Ask for minimal cuticle cutting – cuticles protect against infection and keep nails firmly embedded. Ask your technician to push cuticles back instead of cutting them. Additionally, make sure to moisturize the skin regularly to keep it soft and hydrated, which helps minimize the need for cutting cuticles and reduces infection risk.
- Give nails a break – consistently applying artificial nails or gel polishes weakens the natural nail below. Constant application of these harsh chemicals also increases risk for developing allergies or skin sensitivity. Take some nail recovery breaks and allow your natural nails to heal.
- Keep skin hydrated – harsh manicure and pedicure chemicals strip moisture from skin. Apply a deep moisturizing cuticle oil or lotion following treatments to soften and hydrate skin and strengthen the natural protective barrier.
- Use sunscreen – apply a broad-spectrum, SPF 30+ sunscreen before receiving gel manicures. This protects skin from UV damage that may be caused by curing lamps.
- Don’t pick at polish – peeling off nail polish can remove layers of the nail and increase brittleness and breakage.
- Educate yourself on the signs – recognize the warning signs that something may be wrong, including itching, inflammation, redness, nail lifting, peeling, burning, and discoloration.
- Change your nail products – there are specially formulated nail care products and polishes that are free of fragrances and formulated to minimize allergen response. Ask your nail technician if they carry these products or if you can bring some in yourself.
- Look for skin damage before your visit – if skin is broken near the nails, wait until it’s healed to receive a manicure or pedicure
When to See a Dermatologist
Mild, occasional skin irritation or infrequent breaking or peeling of nails may not require intervention from a dermatologist. However, it’s important to differentiate between typical gel manicure side effects and other manicure and pedicure responses compared with more serious concerns. When in doubt, reach out to your dermatologist, especially if you notice any of the following:
- Chronic or persistent nail brittleness even with nail-strengthening treatment.
- Nails that lift or separate from the nailbed.
- Nail discoloration.
- Thickening or hardening nails.
- Recurring eyelid dermatitis, especially if it seems to be triggered or worsened by a trip to get nails done.
- Facial rash after nail treatment.
- Swelling in skin around nails.
- Nails that feel painful to the touch or have a relatively constant pain.
- Dry, cracked skin on the fingertips or cuticles.
- Persistent itching or other signs of allergic response.
- Skin feeling warm to the touch, swelling, blistering, or other signs of skin infection.
Know Before You Go – Take Precautions for a Safe Mani-Pedi Experience
In conclusion, Dr. Sitabkhan says, “Once you understand potential risks associated with manicures and pedicures, you can safely receive these treatments with the knowledge you need to identify concerns and minimize exposure to environmental aggressors. It’s important to pay attention to your skin and nails and make adjustments as needed to avoid long-term damage.”
Take Time to Talk to a Board-Certified Dermatologist Today
Whether you’re noticing nail brittleness, cuticle irritation, allergic reaction, or other concerns with nail health, it may be time to schedule a dermatology consultation. At U.S. Dermatology Partners, we make it quick and easy to get started working with one of our local dermatology practices. Take just a few moments to fill out our scheduling form online. Once we hear from you, a team member will be in touch to answer questions and finalize your appointment details.
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