Recognizing Early Signs of Skin Cancer

There is no denying the satisfaction that comes with flaunting freshly manicured nails after a visit to the salon. However, recent studies have revealed a hidden danger associated with one of the most popular nail treatments – gel nails. These studies have shown that the UV lamps used to dry and harden the gel polish emit harmful UV radiation, which can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Gel nails are a type of nail treatment that involves applying a special gel to the natural nails and then curing it under a UV light. The result is a durable and long-lasting manicure that can last up to two weeks. However, the strength and durability of gel nails come at a cost. The UV radiation emitted by the lamps used to cure the gel can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.

A recent study by Nature Communications established the link between gel nails and skin cancer. The study revealed that the UV radiation from nail lamps can damage DNA and cause cancer-causing mutations in cells. Another study conducted by the University of California at San Diego and the University of Pittsburgh showed that exposure to UV light for as little as 20 minutes can cause up to 70% of the cells to die.

According to Dr. Neha Sehgal, an oncologist based in Noida, caution should be exercised when getting gel nails. While a weekly or twice-a-month gel manicure is unlikely to cause skin cancer, applying an SPF 30 sunscreen to your hands can be helpful. However, Dr. Sehgal also emphasizes the need for more studies to establish the exact correlation between gel nails and skin cancer.

–Staff Reporter