(Washington Post 2/12). The Archives of Dermatology reviewed the safety of UV lamps used in gel manicures and reported data on women developing non-melanoma skin cancer on the hands in areas not usually seen. This was felt to be due to the repeated exposure to the UV lamps used to dry the gel manicure.
WE ALL LOVE THE NEW PAINT ON GEL MANICURE THAT LASTS FOREVER AND IS PERFECT TO DO BEFORE A VACATION. WE WON’T LOVE THE POSSIBLE SKIN CANCER AND UGLY AGING OF THE HANDS THAT WE CAN GET FROM THIS.
Let me share some tips on how to minimize your risk:
1) CONSIDER TAKING AN OLD PAIR OF LEATHER GLOVES AND CUT OFF THE FINGERTIPS. PUT THEM ON JUST BEFORE YOUR GEL POLISH IS APPLIED AND YOUR HAND GOES UNDER THE LAMP. CLOTH GLOVES DO NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH PROTECTION. WE HOPE THAT SOON THERE WILL BE MANUFACTURES MAKING THESE TYPES OF GLOVES.
2) AN ALTERNATIVE, WHICH CAN BE USED INSTEAD OF, OR IN ADDITION TO, GLOVES, IS TO APPLY A “PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN,” SUCH AS ELTA MD. A CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN WILL NOT WORK AS IT TAKES 20 MINUTES TO ACTIVATE AND BY THAT TIME, YOU ARE LONG GONE!
3) LOOK AT THE TYPE OF UV LAMP THE SALON IS USING. CHEAP LAMPS DO NOT USE TIMERS TO LIMIT THE UV EXPOSURE. THEY SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR HANDS IN THERE COOKING UNTIL THEY ARE READY TO CHANGE TO THE NEXT HAND. UV LAMPS THAT HAVE FOUR STAGE TIMERS LIMIT YOUR EXPOSURE. WE ALSO HOPE THE INDUSTRY LISTENS TO PEOPLE AND BEGINS TO DEVELOP SAFER WAYS TO “SET” THE GEL MANICURE. IN THE MEANTIME, USE THESE MEASURES TO BE SAFER AND “VOICE” YOUR CONCERNS TO THE SALONS AND THE MANUFACTURERS!! IF WE ALL SPEAK UP, WE HAVE A GREATER CHANCE OF MAKING THIS A SAFER AND MORE PLEASURABLE EXPERIENCE.
Why Choose DSA Dermatology?
At DSA Dermatology, we bring to you the best of not one but three leading dermatologists in Plano TX,
At DSA Dermatology, we bring to you the best of not one but three leading dermatologists in Plano TX, Dr. Daniel S. Achtman, Dr. Carmine G. McConnell and Dr. Jordan. Achtman.
Dr. Achtman is a board-certified Dermatologist with over three decades of experience. Having graduated from the medical school of McMaster University, he also studied at the UTSW Medical Center in Dallas, TX where he also served in the Department of Dermatology. In addition to possessing extensive training and experience in cosmetic enhancement techniques, Dr. Achtman is widely known as a leading expert in the diagnosis and treatment of various skin cancers. He is an active member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Achtman goes the extra mile to understand your medical concerns and to ensure that he helps you meet your unique aesthetic goals.
Dr. Carmine G. McConnell is a board-certified physician in Plano TX. Having been trained at McMaster University, Canada, she went on to earn her board certification in Texas. Having served as Chief of Staff of her department at Plano Medical Center, she has over two decades of experience in practicing medicine in her practice and while assisting Dr. Achtman in the practice of dermatology. In addition to her extensive postgraduate training in laser therapy and aesthetic surgery, among other procedures, she possesses vast experience in both cosmetic dermatological techniques and family medicine. As a conscientious and caring physician, Dr. McConnell provides her patients with customized non-surgical treatments to help address health and aesthetic concerns related to the skin. She is also keen on helping patients understand their skin and how it can be cared for and protected.
Dr. Jordan Achtman is a board-certified dermatologist in DSA Dermatology at Plano, TX. Dr. J. Achtman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and completed his residency in dermatology at UT Southwestern. His expertise spans general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. J. Achtman also has various special interests including chronic itch, infectious diseases of the skin, and the relationship between mental health and skin health. He is also very keen on helping patients form healthy skincare regimens and habits. In the hands of Dr. J. Achtman, you can be assured of innovative and cutting edge solutions for all your skin concerns.
