Low Cancer Risk Associated with UVA Nail Lamps

UVA lamps used for curing gel nails pose a very low risk for development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on the dorsum of hands, new research suggests. (Br J Dermatol, E-pub). In fact, researchers say that only one woman in tens of thousands using UVA lamps over a number of years will develop SCC as a direct consequence. The researchers were inspired by reports of two women who developed SCC of the dorsum of the hand attributed to UVA lamp exposure. They used a mathematical model that combines age and UV exposure to compare the risk of developing SCC due to typical sun exposure with the risk from exposure to UVA nail lamps. The researchers conclude that the risk of inducing an SCC from exposure to UVA nail lamps is very low and one that is likely to be accepted by most women. They recommend wearing fingerless gloves during lamp exposure to further reduce risk.