Shellac is a newly available type of long-wearing nail polish, which is becoming increasingly popular. We describe four cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to acrylates found in Shellac nail products, involving three beauticians and one consumer who purchased the product over the internet. Increasing use of these new acrylic nail products means that dermatologists need to be aware of the possibility of ACD occurring. Testing with hydroxyethyl methacrylate alone, which is included in the Australian Baseline Series, is adequate for screening for acrylate allergy.
© 2015 The Australasian College of Dermatologists.