Gel manicures and ultraviolet A light: A call for patient education

Dermatol Online J. 2018 Mar 15;24(3):13030/qt5hx4g5v4.

Abstract

Gel manicures have become a popular beauty trend in recent years. The specially formulated nail polish must undergo curing under light-based units. The majority of these curing lamps emit high-intensity ultraviolet A, which can cause skin damage and increase the risk for skin cancers. Incorporating relevant information in patient education endeavors can help them practice avoidance, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen prior, or use nitrile exam gloves in order to prevent photoaging and skin cancer resulting from these procedures.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Cosmetics / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Nails* / drug effects
  • Nails* / pathology
  • Nails* / radiation effects
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Sunscreening Agents / adverse effects*
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Cosmetics
  • Sunscreening Agents