Is gel nail polish a cancer risk?

Gel Nail Polish and Cancer Risk

Based on current evidence, gel nail polish poses a low risk of skin cancer, but precautions should be taken to minimize UV exposure during the curing process. 1

Current Evidence on Cancer Risk

• A systematic review found that prolonged and repeated exposure to UV nail lamps may pose a low risk of skin cancer, though the available evidence is limited 1
• Analysis of the SEER database revealed that gel manicures have little to no carcinogenic risk in patients under 40 years of age 2
• Only 3 cases of squamous cell carcinoma potentially associated with UV nail lamp exposure have been reported, with a delay between UV exposure and diagnosis ranging from 11 to 15 years 3

Mechanism of Potential Harm

• UV nail lamps emit UVA radiation, which is known to be mutagenic and can cause damage to DNA 4
• Recent research demonstrates that radiation from nail polish dryers can degrade molecules present in the skin and may induce damage to biomolecules such as proteins and lipids through photosensitization 5
• UVA rays are not absorbed by the ozone layer, penetrate deeply into the skin, and can cause premature aging and possibly suppression of the immune system 6

Risk Factors to Consider

• Fair-skinned individuals with characteristics such as red or blond hair and skin that freckles or burns easily are at higher risk for UV-related skin damage 6
• Persons with a family history of melanoma have an increased risk for developing skin cancer 6
• The risk of skin cancer increases with age due to cumulative UV exposure over time 6

Recommended Precautions

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF >30 on hands before UV nail lamp exposure 4
• Consider using UV-blocking gloves with the fingertips cut off during the curing process 1
• Limit the frequency and duration of gel manicures to reduce cumulative UV exposure 1
• Be aware that artificial nails may harbor more gram-negative pathogens on fingertips compared to natural nails, both before and after handwashing 6

Other Potential Complications of Gel Nail Polish

• Allergic contact dermatitis is the most common complication (70.5% of reported cases), typically developing an average of 30 months after starting gel nail polish use 3
• Mechanical nail damage accounts for 26.1% of reported complications, with pterygium inversum unguis being the most frequent mechanical lesion 3
• Chipped nail polish may support the growth of larger numbers of microorganisms on fingernails 6

Monitoring and Awareness

• Be vigilant about any changes in the skin around the nails or on the dorsum of the hands 1
• Pay particular attention to changing moles, as this can be indicative of melanoma development 6
• Individuals with a history of skin cancer should exercise extra caution when considering gel manicures 6

While the current evidence suggests a low risk of skin cancer from gel nail polish use, the long-term effects are not fully understood. Taking simple precautions like applying sunscreen before UV exposure can significantly reduce any potential risk 4.