Could those weekly manicures be causing skin cancer?

The ultraviolet light emitted by many salon nail dryers carries a risk of cancer, according to new research.A study conducted by the Medical College of Georgia and Georgia Regents Health System, in Augusta, found that just eight sessions under the lamp would be enough to cause DNA damage to the skin – the main culprit of skin cancer.For those getting a manicure once a week, typically drying their nails for around ten minutes a time, that quota is very easily achieved.The risk is caused by UVA rays emitted by the blacklight, not unlike those of indoor tanning beds. While the light will not burn the skin (UVB rays are responsible for sunburn), high exposure to UVA rays can raise the risk of melanoma.But while the risk of cancer is increased with the use of UV lamps, it still represents a small probability – the lamps emit varying degrees of harmful rays that range from ‘barely’ to ‘significant’ according to Dr Lyndsay R Shipp, who lead the study.Dr Shipp, who presented her findings on Wednesday, said: ‘Our data suggest that, even with numerous exposures, the risk for skin cancer remains small.’That does not mean, however, that UV lamps should be approached with a completely carefree attitude. Two healthy, middle-aged women in the U.S. developed abnormal skin cells on their hands, according to one 2009 paper. Doctors believe that the cause in both women was linked to nail salon lamps.Dr Shipp explained: ‘We concur with previous authors in recommending use of physical blocking sunscreens or UVA protective gloves to limit the risk of skin cancer and photo aging.Even she uses the lamps ‘every couple of months’ – a degree of exposure comparable to ‘driving down the road in your car,’ she says.Ultraviolet nail lamps are required to harden gel manicures. They are also often found in nail dryers as they are believed to help harden traditional polishes as well.Experts recommend that women using traditional nail polishes only use a fan-drying option, and forgo the UVA light function.Those who need to use the lights for a gel treatment have been recommended to ask their aesthetician to use sunscreen as part of the salon’s hand massage, instead of basic lotion.(dailymail.co.uk)BakuDaily.Az