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Deborah F. MacFarlane, MD, MPH; Carol A. Alonso, MD

Arch Dermatol. 2009;145(4):447-449.

Background  Exposure to tanning beds, which contain mostly high-dose UV-A emitters, is a known cause of photoaging. Evidence is also accumulating for an association between tanning bed use and the development of skin cancer. Another source of high-dose UV-A is UV nail lights, available for use in the home and in beauty salons.

Observations  Two healthy middle-aged women with no personal or family history of skin cancer developed nonmelanoma skin cancers on the dorsum of their hands. Both women report previous exposure to UV nail lights.

Conclusions  It appears that exposure to UV nail lights is a risk factor for the development of skin cancer; however, this observation warrants further investigation. In addition, awareness of this possible association may help physicians identify more skin cancers and better educate their patients.

Author Affiliations: Departments of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston (Dr MacFarlane); and Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Medical School, Houston (Dr Alonso).

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