Angel Nails at Avanti

Published research shows that nail plates completely blocks UVB and allows only a tiny amount of UVA to reach the nail bed below. So the nail bed is well protected from UV by the nail plate, and any nail coating on top of it would be expected to reduce that exposure even further.

There is another important point. Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) (see image) is a “rare” nail unit cancer and is NOT related to sun exposure as are other types of skin cancers. The foolish claims that brief exposure from a nail lamp is causing these cancers is NOT supported by science.

Also, clients receive far more cumulative UV exposure from ordinary sunlight than from the brief, intermittent use of a nail lamp, and major medical sources describe the skin-cancer risk from nail lamps as low.

I recommend rejecting these fear-based claims because they are not supported by scientific evidence, even though presented as fact by some misinformed individuals. In my view, this is irresponsible and those spreading this misinformation are unfairly harming the nail business and unfairly hurting the livelihood of working nail technicians around the world. Please share this with these individuals so they can learn the facts and stop creating needless fear.

Still, this is a nail condition that everyone should know about. Here is an excerpt from my new book, Advanced Chemistry of Nails. Available on Amazon as a printed or e-book. Also available on Kobo and Nook. More details about how these bands form are found in this book, along with much more science-based info about nails, nail products and the science behind them.

Melanonychia and Acral Lentiginous Melanoma

Dark bands on the nails, also known as melanonychia, can be normal for individuals with darker skin tones due to increased melanin production. This condition is common among people of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent and often appears on one or more nail plates with dark streaks/bands running lengthwise. While these bands are usually harmless and part of normal nail pigmentation variation, it is important to monitor any changes. Should they become wider or darker, or develop color variations within the band, or should dark pigment stains appear on the surrounding skin, the client should be referred to a qualified medical professional for further investigation to rule out more serious conditions.

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is a distinct type of skin cancer that, although rare among Caucasians, is more prevalent in individuals with darker skin, such as those of African or Asian descent. ALM often develops in areas not typically exposed to the sun, like the palms, soles of the feet, and under nail plates, suggesting that ultraviolet (UV) radiation is not a contributing factor. This type of melanoma starts in the melanocytes, cells responsible for pigment production. Abnormal growth of these cells can lead to the appearance of dark pigmented bands on the nail plate and possibly other nail deformities. What triggers ALM is not fully understood and continues to be studied, however genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role.

Melanocytes normally exist in the nail bed, in low concentrations and often are dormant. They are more common among those with darker skin tones. Even though they are sparely distributed in the matrix, they can exist in clusters. When these clusters become activated, they form darkly colored bands in the nail plate as demonstrated below.

It is a misconception that the use of UV nail lamps causes ALM, as there is no research supporting this association. The nail plates filter UV and prevent it from damaging the nail bed. It is quite uncommon for nail beds to become sunburned. The nail plate itself provides a protective barrier that shields the nail bed from the majority of UV. This natural defense means that the skin beneath the nail plate is rarely burned.

Because ALM is often not diagnosed until it is quite advanced, it is important for nail technicians to be aware of this potential problem. Nail technicians are in a unique position to notice this type of abnormality and should advise clients to seek medical advice promptly. While these dark bands are often a normal occurrence, especially in those with more melanin in their skin, it is smart to err on the side of caution. Early detection can lead to effective medical treatment, so use the principle of “better safe than sorry.”

This is an image of acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM). In the nail unit, this type of melanoma is called subungual melanoma.
Figure 3.16: Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM)
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet www.dermnetnz.org 2024

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