Check out Dr. Mina's top picks for skin care here.

Download the free eBook 'Skincare Myths Busted' here.

Nails aren’t just there to show off your favorite polish or nail art—they’re a direct reflection of your overall health (yep, just like your skin). With the rise of gel nails, dip powders, and intricate manicures, it’s more important than ever to find a balance between nails that look great and are healthy, too. While these trends can take your style to the next level, they also come with potential risks like allergic reactions, infections, and long-term nail damage. 

Tune into this week’s podcast with Dr. Carina Woodruff as she answers key questions on nail care, from the safety of manicures and pedicures to the risks at the nail salon. She shares her top 3 tips for beautiful nails and explains how the rise of at-home nail kits may be contributing to acrylate allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). 

Key Takeaways:

- Patch testing helps identify triggers for skin reactions.

- Nail treatments can cause allergic reactions in unexpected areas.

- Acrylic and gel nails can lead to sensitization over time.

- Gentle nail care practices can prevent infections and damage.

- Fungal infections can spread in nail salons if hygiene is poor.

- Top coats in nail polish can harbor fungus and spread infections.

- UV light used for gel nails can cause skin damage.

- Choosing a reputable salon is crucial for nail health.

- Taking breaks from nail treatments can promote healthier nails.

- Regular check-ups with a dermatologist are important for nail health.

In This Episode:

(04:43) Introduction to Dermatology and Patch Testing

(06:00) The Impact of Nail Treatments on Skin Health

(08:33) Understanding Allergic Reactions and Sensitization

(16:23) Nail Care Practices and Their Risks

(18:31) Choosing the Right Nail Salon

(20:57) Safety of Gel Nails and UV Light Exposure

(23:24) Top Tips for Healthy Nails

(25:28) Importance of Full Body Skin Checks

Dr. Woodruff is the Director of the Epiphany Skin Allergy Institute in Dallas, Texas. Before joining Epiphany, Dr. Woodruff was an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco where she was also Associate Director of the Contact Dermatitis Unit and Director of Medical Student Education. Her formal education and training include:

Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) – BA, Social and Cognitive Neuroscience 

Yale School of Medicine (New Haven, CT) – Doctor of Medicine

Kaiser Permanente Medical Center (Oakland, CA) – Internal Medicine Internship

University of California, San Francisco (San Francisco, CA) – Dermatology Residency

Dr. Woodruff’s ongoing involvement in research has facilitated a host of publications in major dermatology journals. She enjoys teaching medical students and residents and is a regular lecturer at national conferences. She co-founded VETTED Dermlab, a hypoallergenic skincare brand, and is an associate editor for the contact allergy journal Dermatitis. 

Dr. Woodruff is originally from São Paolo, Brazil and is fluent in Portuguese. She grew up in Orlando, Florida. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Dallas, traveling, and spending time with her family husband (Henry), daughter (Sienna - 5yo), son (Hughie- 3yo), and her King Charles Spaniel, Poppy.

Find Dr. Carina Woodruff here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarinawoodruff/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-woodruff-md-faad-74b65ba4/

Clinic website: https://www.epiphanydermatology.com/location/dallas-tx/

https://vetteddermlab.com

Follow Dr. Mina here:- 

https://instagram.com/drminaskin

https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin

https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/

Website- https://www.atlantadermsurgery.com/

The content of this podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice.