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Gel Dryer

NAIL- LIVES

Nail Melanoma: What You Need To Know

​Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that specifically affects the pigment (melanin) producing cells in our body. The positive is that melanomas tend to continue to produce melanin throughout the disease progression, making it easier to see colour changes in the skin as a detection strategy.

 

Gel manicures have become extremely popular due to their durability and the strength they add to nails. These manicures are set using UV nail lamps, which emits UV radiation to engage a process that allows gel nails to last as long as they do. Typically, during a manicure, you're exposed to these lamps for about 3-5 minutes.

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​Nail-related melanomas are associated with poor prognosis due to late diagnosis among affected patients because detection can be especially difficult for patients who frequently wear nail polish or artificial nails. While providing nail-related aesthetic care to clients, nail technicians are often already inspecting high-risk zones for nail-related melanomas on bare nails.

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Interested in participating in NAIL-LIVES? Register for our webinar HERE to learn all about it!

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Steps to Follow
 

P: Prep the fingers for a manicure or remove any previous polish or acrylics. After doing this, inspect the natural nail bed.

O: Observe for any spots or lesions on/around the nail. Use the ABCDEFGs acronym to note any suspicious presentations. Ask the client if they were aware of the spot, how long it has been there, and whether they have any personal or family history of skin cancers.

L: List any suspicious findings on a NAIL-LIVES Alert business card and give it to your client.

I: If possible, take a photo of the spot with your client’s phone to document it.

S: Support the client with a NAIL-LIVES brochure on nail melanoma and provide information on how to contact a health provider and other resources for support.

H: Help us assess the value and success of the program by completing the record form with the date of your interaction, which resources you provided the client, and any other notes or comments you have.

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ABCDEFGs for Identifying Subungual Melanoma

At risk

  • Age (highest risk between 50-70)

  • African-American, Native American, Asian

    • Up to 20% of melanoma patients with African, East-Asian ancestry, with increased risk in those with Indigenous North American heritage as well5,6

Bands on the nail 

  • Brown/Black bands 

  • Breadth >3 mm 

  • Border is irregular or blurred

Change over time

  • Rapid increase in size or growth rate of nail band

    • Applicable for initiative, nail techs could ask clients about recent changes. This would be  especially effective for regular clients.

  • Failure of nail dystrophy despite adequate treatment

Digit finger

  • Thumb and big toe have higher risk than other digits, signs present on a single digit are at higher risk than those on multiple digits

Extension of pigment (Hutchinson’s sign)

  • Pigmentation of the skin surrounding the nail involving the proximal or lateral nail fold

Family or personal history

  • Previous melanoma or dysplastic nevus syndrome (abundance of atypical moles)

General appearance, quality of nail and other symptoms

  • Nail brittleness and cracking

  • Bleeding or ulceration at the site of pigmentation

  • Nail lifting, splitting, and bumps/nodules under nail

The Hidden Risks of UV Exposure

While a few minutes of UV exposure for a single manicure might seem harmless, the cumulative exposure can add up if you get gel manicures regularly, like every two to three weeks over several years. UV radiation, whether from the sun or artificial sources like these lamps, can damage your skin. This damage can lead to skin cancer.​

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With the majority of women worldwide using nail care products and a high percentage of salons using UV lamps, there's a significant concern about the long-term health effects of this exposure. In Canada alone, around 80,000 skin cancers are diagnosed annually, costing millions in healthcare. The incidence of skin cancers, including melanoma and non-melanoma types, has dramatically increased over the past 30 years.

Manicure
What the Research Says

Studies on the risk of skin cancer from UV nail lamps have mixed results. Some research suggests that the risk is minimal, comparing it to minor exposures like brief sunlight, while others highlight potential risks, especially with long-term use.​

Recommendations for Safe Use

Given the uncertain risks, it's advisable to take precautions when using UV nail lamps. Dermatologists recommend:

  • Using broad-spectrum sunscreen on your hands before a manicure.

  • Wearing fingerless gloves to protect your skin during the process.

  • Considering salons that use LED lamps instead of UV lamps, as they emit less harmful radiation.

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More extensive and higher-quality studies are needed to fully understand the risks associated with UV nail lamps. While the risk of skin cancer from UV nail lamps appears to be low, it's still important to take protective measures to minimize any potential harm. Stay informed and make safety a priority in your beauty routine.

All content on this page was created by  Dea Metko, Shanti Mehta, Jenny Hu, and Grace Xiong, medical students at McMaster University and University of Toronto respectively, in collaboration with Save Your Skin Foundation.

Learn More

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To become more involved in Nail Safety & Health, please fill out the following form. You will be contacted within 5 business days and sent resources including photos and additional information on what to look for as a nail technician.

The sooner a skin cancer is detected, the earlier it can be treated and the fewer chances of it spreading or causing extensive damage or death.

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