Nail Salon UV Lamps may Increase Risk of Skin Cancer

As previous studies have unmasked the dangers of tanning salons, new research shows that ultra-violet nail lamps may also increase the risk of skin cancer.

Though researchers said that exposure to carcinogenesis remains small, frequent exposure could cause damage.

"Considering the low UV-A energy exposure in an average manicure visit, multiple visits would be required to reach the threshold for potential DNA damage" that might spur cancer, researchers note, via Health Day.

For the study, researchers sampled 17 light units from 16 salons that used a wide variety of UV bulbs. The researchers cited "notable differences" in many of the bulbs and how much UV exposure was imposed on the hands.

Findings showed that one dose of UV-A light could increase a very low risk of cancer.

"Even with numerous exposures, the risk for carcinogenesis remains small," said Dr. Lyndsay Shipp of the department of dermatology at Georgia Regents University, in Augusta, and her team said, via Health Day.

"I wouldn't tell a patient to stop going unless they were going multiple times a month," she added, via Reuters Health. 

Though the findings show relatively low risks for cancer, researchers suggest that wearing sunscreen on the hands or protective UV-A gloves could help reduce any potential cancer risk and prevent signs of premature skin aging.

The American Cancer Society shows that exposure to UV radiation is a significant factor in many skin cancer risks. 

More information regarding the findings can be seen via JAMA Dermatology.