A mani-pedi would be nice, right?
The thing is, it should bebut it shouldn’t involve an infection.
No one wants to go home with an infection and a manicure.
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There are infections the nail salon is working to avoid while you relax.
Scissors are disinfected; footbaths are cleaned.
Some infections of our hands and feet happen regardless of whether we go to a nail salon.
Our feet are prone to fungal infections like athlete’s foot, even without a pedicure.
There are, however, infections that occur specifically at nail salons.
Next time you’re in a salon, confirm you stay infection-free by watching for these potential problems.
Would You Like to Relax Your Feet in the Whirlpools?
It’s important the salon disinfects the footbaths.
Whirlpools need to be cleaned and disinfected between clients.
In rare cases, infections such asMycobacterium fortuitumhave caused outbreaks associated with nail salon whirlpool footbaths.
These are often associated with leg-shaving.
Infections may go away on their own, but many needantibiotics.
Do You Want Your Cuticles Cut Back?
Overly aggressive cuticle care can lead to infections.
Paronychiais a bacterial (or fungal) infection that occurs around the nails.
It may require topical or oral antibiotics, especially if it involves the bacteriaMRSA.
Would You Like a Foot Massage With Your Pedicure?
Bare-handed contact carries a small risk of transmitting infections like warts.
These warts are resulting from HPV.
Rarely, herpes finger infections can spread this way also.
How About a Hand Massage With Your Manicure?
Colds and influenza can be spread, in part, by holding or touching hands.
Colds and theflucan spread by a handshake if you then touch your nose or mouth.
Would You Like Acrylic Nails?
Do not keep acrylic nails on too long or an infection may develop.
Leaving acrylic nails on for months can lead to fungal infections.
Acrylic nails may slowly peel from the nail.
Fungal infections can creep into the moist space between the real nail and the acrylic nail.
Would You Like Me to Use This Pumice Stone?
Any tools that are reused could conceivably spread an infection.
There are many tools used for a mani-pedi.
There are scissors, cuticle pushers and knives, buffers, files, and pumice stones.
Metal and sharp tools are sterilized between customers.
Nail files and pumice stones may be reused without sterilization.
There is a small possibility of transferring some infections if tools are not sterilized.
It’s the sharp tools, which can pierce your skin, that are the most worrisome.
Some customers bring their own tools.
Would You Like Your Calluses Razored Away?
Be careful of anything that does not seem legitimate if you are unsure of a salon.
Some pedicures use razors to clear away dead skin.
Any regulated salon would be careful with razors and should not reuse any non-sterilized razors.
Preventing Pedicure Foot Spa Infections.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
US National Library of Medicine.
Handwashing education materials for the general public.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthy habits: Nail Hygiene.
