UV lights have been a culprit of multiple skin conditions ranging from contact dermatitis to skin cancers. One of the most common sources of artificial UV lights is tanning beds, which many individuals advocate against using to preserve skin health.
How often do you get your nails done, and does your service include using a UV nail lamp? Nail lamps are often overlooked as a source that can potentially increase skin damage. However, frequent or improper nail lamp use can lead to trouble.
What can you do if you have an allergy to UV nail lamps? Avoiding using a UV nail lamp is the easiest thing you can do if you have an allergy to this type of light. These lamps are often small and concentrated and may trigger skin irritation.
Frequent exposure to UV nail lamps can result in redness, itchiness, and sensitivity. It can be challenging to treat these allergies, especially if you aren’t aware of them. It may also be wise to seek specialized help from a dermatologist.
You may wonder what can cause these allergies to flare up, how you can remedy the symptoms, and what alternative devices are available. UV nail lamps are a standard tool used in most salons but have drawbacks.
What Is A UV Nail Lamp?
According to the FDA, “Ultraviolet (UV) nail curing lamps are table-top size units used to dry or cure acrylic or gel nails and gel polish…they feature lamps or LEDs that emit UV radiation.” You can purchase a nail lamp for personal use or find them in salons.
Thankfully, UV nail lamps don’t pose as much of a risk as tanning or sun beds.
UV Vs LED Nail Lamps
The two most popular types of nail lamps include UV and LED nail lamps. You can find both types available to purchase online or see an array of them in salon settings. So, how can you tell the difference between these two nail lamps?
The most differentiating features include dry time, wavelengths, and light sources that may help you decide between the two.
Drying Time
Most people gravitate towards LED nail lamps for gel thanks to their time-saving capabilities. This feature is crucial for quick and efficient nail enhancement services in salon settings. LED bulbs usually don’t need to be replaced like UV lamps.
Also, LED lamps can cure gel within 30-45 seconds, while it can take up to 2 minutes on a UV lamp.
Wavelengths
Another difference between the two lamps is their wavelengths. While they both emit UV light, one has narrower wavelengths than the other. This is because UV nail lamps have a broader wavelength to help cure or harden nail enhancements.
However, LED wavelengths are narrower and more focused, but these lamps can also be more costly than UV lamps.
Light Source
Finally, the main opposing characteristic of these lamps is their light source. LED nail lamps have LED lights within the lamp. Therefore, unlike UV nail lamps, they don’t need to be replaced as frequently or at all depending on the brand.
UV lamps feature a bulb that will most likely require maintenance. However, most brands are manufacturing lamps that are both UV and LED.
Can You Develop An Allergy To UV Light?
While nail lamps are usually low risk, frequent exposure over time may result in some skin damage or irritation. Also, it can be challenging to determine what causes an allergy to UV nail lamps.
However, medications or nail products can potentially trigger allergies.
The FDA claims, “you may particularly want to avoid these lamps if you’re using certain medications or supplements that make you more sensitive to UV rays. These medications include some antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and estrogens…”
Symptoms Of UV Light Allergy
How can you tell if you’re developing an allergy to UV nail lamps? First, it’s crucial to rule out any medications or supplements that could make the skin more susceptible to light. Next, it’s time to focus on what products you apply to the nails.
In the same article, the FDA states, “some nail hardeners and nail polishes may contain formaldehyde, which can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.” So, it may be your products irritating the skin rather than the UV light.
Rashes/Redness
A common side effect of an allergic reaction is redness. Redness can often accompany a rash or discolored patch when the skin comes into contact with something unpleasant. UV light may irritate sensitive or unprotected skin types.
Please monitor any changes in your skin before and after using a UV nail lamp. Sometimes the redness or rash will disappear on its own.
Itching/Peeling
You may also notice your skin start to itch or peel due to a UV nail lamp allergy.
These lights can be quite drying on the hands, potentially irritating the skin. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure the hands are hydrated and protected before using a lamp.
Other Skin Conditions
UV lamps may trigger or develop other skin conditions. Please seek medical expertise if you notice severe allergic reactions after using UV nail lamps. This may include any skin discolorations, abrasions, or lesions.
How To Soothe UV Light Allergies
What can you do to remedy any UV nail lamp allergies? Of course, avoiding contact with nail lamps is the easiest and most efficient thing you can do. However, if you love nail enhancements like gel, it can be tricky to avoid these lamps.
Avoid Contact With Nail Lamps
Avoiding nail lamps altogether can potentially stop allergies in their tracks. Instead, it may be time to try no-cure nail enhancements like no-cure gel polishes or dip powder nails. These are services that provide flawless nails without the need for a UV lamp.
Stopping using these lamps can ensure you don’t worsen or develop your allergies to UV light.
Wear SPF
What if you plan to continue using UV nail lamps despite your allergic reaction? The best thing you can do is protect the skin. For example, always slather on a generous layer of sunscreen or spf hand cream before your nail appointment to shield against UV light.
Another option would be to invest in gloves or limit as much time as possible within the nail lamp.
Seek Help From A Dermatologist
Finally, you’ll always want to seek professional help from a dermatologist. This will be especially helpful if you develop more severe allergies than redness, rashes, and itching. Also, a dermatologist will be able to provide and prescribe personalized care.
It’s crucial to note that nail technicians are not dermatologists and can’t legally treat or diagnose severe skin conditions. So a nail tech may always refer you to a dermatologist if they notice any skin abnormalities.
What Can You Use Instead Of A UV Nail Lamp?
What can you use for your nail enhancement instead of a UV nail lamp? Are there any alternative products? It can be tricky to replace a UV nail lamp, especially for gel nail services. You may try another no-cure enhancement like dip powder nails or even press-ons.
Also, you can invest in UV gloves for added protection, try a mini curing lamp, or test out some DIY curing methods.
UV Gloves
UV gloves are gaining popularity, especially in the nail industry. These gloves shield your fingers and hands from UV light emitted from a nail lamp. In addition, they only expose the nail plates in the lamp so your enchantments can cure completely.
These gloves will offer protection and ensure your skin doesn’t come into contact with the nail lamp. This can also minimize dryness, but it never hurts to apply a layer of SPF beforehand.
Mini Curing Lamp
You can also invest in a miniature UV nail lamp. These lamps are so tiny they can only cure one nail at a time. However, they can drastically reduce exposure to UV light if you have an allergy.
Also, it may be more time-consuming to cure each nail individually, but it can reduce the risk of developing an adverse reaction. You can also pair this mini lamp with UV gloves and sunscreen.
DIY Curing Methods
Finally, you may attempt to cure your nails using DIY methods. For example, you can try curing nails with cooking spray, an ice bath, quick-dry nail spray, etc. You can also opt for no-cure gel formulas or UV light-free nail enhancements like dip powder.
These DIY methods may help if you want to avoid contact with UV lamps but still achieve manicured nails.
Takeaway
Thankfully, developing an allergic reaction to UV nail lamps is low. However, it’s still possible to have an adverse reaction, primarily if you don’t protect your skin or take medications that make you more susceptible to UV light.
Some signs that you may have an allergic reaction to UV light include itching, redness, peeling, or rashes. You can remedy these symptoms by avoiding UV nail lamps, wearing SPF, or investing in UV gloves for added protection.
Please seek help from a dermatologist or medical professional for any severe signs or symptoms.
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