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Case Reports
. 2019 Oct 2;11(3):286-291.
doi: 10.1159/000503273. eCollection 2019 Sep-Dec.

Multiple Dorsal Hand Actinic Keratoses and Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Unique Presentation following Extensive UV Nail Lamp Use

Madison C Ratycz  1 , Joyce A Lender  2 , Lorie D Gottwald  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Multiple Dorsal Hand Actinic Keratoses and Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Unique Presentation following Extensive UV Nail Lamp Use

Madison C Ratycz et al. Case Rep Dermatol. .

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer worldwide, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is a major cause of SCC. UV nail lamps can be used for drying and hardening acrylic or gel nail polish. We report a case of a 52-year-old Caucasian woman with an 18-year history of UV nail lamp use every 3 weeks and an 18-year history of weekly tanning bed use who presented with over 25 actinic keratoses and two SCC in situ on her dorsal hands. Of note, this patient has never had any previous biopsies, skin cancer or precancers, or skin cancer or precancer treatment at any time in the past and on skin examination had no precancers or cancers elsewhere on her body. We also review the existing research regarding nail lamp use, which overall suggests that the risk of carcinogenesis is low, and discuss ways dermatologists can educate patients regarding proper UV nail lamp use to minimize risks. This patient's extensive UV nail lamp use coupled with UVA exposure from tanning beds may have put her at particular risk and exacerbated the effects of the nail lamp alone.

Keywords: Actinic keratoses; Skin cancer risk factors; Squamous cell carcinoma; UV nail lamps.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a Left dorsal hand at the initial visit with diffuse AKs and solar damage. b Right dorsal hand at the initial visit with diffuse AKs and solar damage. c Left dorsal hand biopsy sites. Site “a” was a SCC in situ, and “b” was an AK. d Right dorsal hand biopsy sites. Site “c” was a SCC in situ.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Bilateral dorsal hands 7 days after cryotherapy treatment for over 25 AKs. Blistering and crusted lesions indicate the AK locations.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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