Study: UV Nail Lamps May Increase Skin Cancer Risk

The growing popularity of long-lasting gel manicures has put UV nail lamps under the spotlight. The ultraviolet light is used for drying and curing the gel polishes, and the UV lamps are often used for regular manicures as well.

A recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Association Dermatology found these UV lamps are linked to a small increase in the risk of skin cancers on the hands.

Researchers found that the lamps are unregulated and the amount of UV exposure from the lamps varies, making it difficult to report an overall risk.

This isn't the first study to have found a nail salon-cancer connection. This same journal, JAMA Dermatology, published a similar report in 2009.

Dr. Sapna Patel, a melanoma oncologist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, speaks with Here & Now's Sacha Pfeiffer about the research.