Health risk Hitherto unknown skin cancer risk in nail salons

Hardening and drying with UV lamps: Skin cancer risk in the nail salon?

Health experts repeatedly point out that sun rays should not be underestimated, since ultraviolet radiation is clearly carcinogenic. However, some people not only expose themselves to UV rays outside, but also in the nail salon, for example, where fingernails are hardened and dried with UV lamps after treatment. Experts therefore recommend protective measures for the prevention of cancer.

Tips to avoid skin cancer

Among other things, to avoid skin cancer, experts recommend not exposing themselves to excessive UV radiation; So do not stay too long in the sun. Visits to the solarium are also advised against. In addition, there are indications that some treatments in the nail salon can increase the risk of cancer and should therefore be better avoided. However, this risk is assessed differently by scientists.

Nail nails painted and modeled fingernails are often cured with UV lamps and dried. According to scientific research, this radiation can help to increase the risk of skin cancer. Experts recommend protective measures for prevention. (Image: tamara83 / fotolia.com)

Individual danger is assessed very differently

Whether classic, neon-colored or artfully decorated - professionally painted and modeled fingernails are considered fashionable eye-catcher.

However, the ultraviolet rays of the lamps, which are usually used to cure or dry the splendor, are suspected to increase the risk of developing white skin cancer.

Although scientists estimate the individual risk very differently, they recommend preventive measures regardless of their findings.

This recommendation is also followed by the Cancer Information Service of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ).

Majority of women believe in increased cancer risk in the nail salon

The DKFZ reports on a recent survey, the results of which were published in the journal "Australasian Journal of Dermatology".

Of the 415 Australian women surveyed, 72 percent believed that there was an increased risk of cancer due to UVA lamps in the nail salon.

Eighty-two percent of the respondents were willing to give up nail modeling immediately, if this suspicion proved true.

To make sure

Basically, UV-A light is classified as carcinogenic, but depending on the duration and intensity of the radiation. The shorter the exposure time, the lower the skin damage.

Nevertheless, Dr. Susanne Weg-Remers, Director of the Cancer Information Service: "If you do not want to do without modeled nails, you should take UV protection measures when visiting the nail salon to minimize your risk."

Specifically, the expert advises: "Use sun blockers or sunscreens with a high sun protection factor. Fingerless gloves also provide protection. "

Risk negligible?

Among scientists, the possible connection between the UV-A lamps and the development of skin cancer is discussed controversially.

According to a mathematical model, ten or even a hundred thousand individuals regularly use one of the usual UV lamps until a person develops a carcinoma of the skin on the back of his hand.

A scientific study concludes that 13,700 sessions of high-to-medium-intensity UV lamps are equivalent to those associated with a single phototherapy treatment for skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Or a serious problem?

Other voices warn against taking the risk lightly. Because, the conclusion of a study, only ten minutes of irradiation with the UV lamp correspond approximately to the recommended maximum radiation dose of a whole day.

Another study concludes that, depending on the lamp used, DNA damage may occur after eight nail visits.

Also problematic may be an uneven distribution of the radiation with very different doses of UV-A at different skin sites.

However, there is a consensus on the practical recommendation: as long as no conclusive results are available, the recommended protective measures should be taken in any case. (Ad)