Skin cancer and UV lamps: professional responsibility and customer safety
I often get asked, “Is it safe to put my hands and nails in a nail lamp after being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer?” This is an important question that raises important considerations regarding professional responsibility and customer safety.
A client diagnosed with skin cancer has a medical condition, and the physician must determine whether this is safe or dangerous for the patient. The doctor’s decision is based on the patient’s medical history. I don’t think this is a decision that a nail professional should make because this is a medical choice rather than a cosmetic one.
Address client requests: Adhere to professional judgment and safety standards.
What happens if a “patient” wants to be a nail client and insists that you perform nail services? That’s a little difficult to answer. Please understand this. Clients cannot sign out or waive their right to secure service. In other words, a client cannot permit you to do something that is contrary to your professional judgment if it appears to be harmful, extremely dangerous, or potentially dangerous. The customer is not always right.
Customer safety is our top priority
Consultation with medical experts for informed decision making
As a professional, you have a responsibility to work safely and protect the health of your clients at all times. Therefore, if an unhealthy condition exists, service should be refused. My guess is that most doctors would likely advise you to avoid exposure to UV nail lamps out of an abundance of caution. However, some recommend protecting your hands with a cover or her SPF lotion. Alternatively, disposable UV Shield hand shields/gloves are highly effective at blocking virtually all UV exposure. That is why the involvement of the doctor is always so important when the client makes such a choice.
Don’t go around your doctor. Remember, you’re working on their patients. It’s not just your clients anymore.
