What can lead to allergic contact dermatitis in nail technicians?

Allergic contact dermatitis in nail technicians is primarily caused by exposure to harsh chemicals that are commonly used in nail products. These chemicals can include ingredients found in nail polish, nail hardeners, acrylics, and various cleaning agents. When technicians handle these substances regularly, their skin may react, leading to dermatitis, which manifests as redness, itching, and swelling.

Frequent hand washing, while it can lead to dryness and irritation, typically does not cause allergic contact dermatitis unless it is combined with exposure to allergens. Wearing nail polish or using acrylics on their own doesn't usually trigger allergic reactions unless the specific formulation contains a substance to which the technician is sensitized. Hence, the main culprit is indeed the harsh chemicals, as they can sensitize the skin over time and lead to an allergic response.