It’s healthy to treat ourselves to something special on a regular basis as a reward for all of the hard work we do in life. Many people like to indulge themselves by having a professional manicure and, or, pedicure. While the result is usually a great looking set of nails, the downside is the risk of possibly exposing oneself to infectious materials that may be lurking in the footbath (basin), on the tools (sharp and dull), on the hands of the nail tech or in the polish bottles that are repeatedly used on each customer.
While many salons may try to follow the appropriate infection control practices mandated by their state; many do not. When they don’t practice safely, you are putting yourself at risk of getting that skin or blood infection from the last customer(s) that may still be on the tools or in the foot spa that are now being used on you. Items may not be thoroughly disinfected , or worse, not be disinfected at all after each customer as they should. Proper disinfection of all items is necessary to prevent the transmission of infections to customers.
There have been various reported and, or, documented cases of transmission of lethal (and potentially lethal) infections at nail salons such as MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) and Hepatitis B and C; not to mention non lethal types of infections such as nail fungus, for example. (This is not a comprehensive list; these are only a few of the possible infections that can be spread, there are more). *Please see your health care provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding your risks, possible exposures or any symptoms you may be experiencing of any possible infection(s).
There have been various reported and, or, documented cases of transmission of lethal (and potentially lethal) infections at nail salons such as MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) and Hepatitis B and C; not to mention non lethal types of infections such as nail fungus, for example. (This is not a comprehensive list; these are only a few of the possible infections that can be spread, there are more). *Please see your health care provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding your risks, possible exposures or any symptoms you may be experiencing of any possible infection(s).
- Protect yourself by finding a salon/manicurist that is willing to use your own foot basin, tools and polish. This is most important. Also, do not allow them to shave your skin to remove calluses nor cut your cuticles (or any make any cuts in your skin for that matter). Breaks in the skin make you even more susceptible to acquiring an infection from dirty hands, tools, polishes, water and foot basins etc.
- Do it yourself with your own supplies for a quick and easy French Manicure: One can achieve a pristine look to their nails on their own by gently pushing back their cuticles occasionally after a shower (when they are soft and easy to move), a quick and gentle filing to the tips, then applying a clear base coat. You can either follow with a color or use a whitening pencil under your nail tips (available at most drug stores) for a quick way to achieve a “French manicure” look with less hassle.
- Try to reduce your exposure dangerous chemicals by placing yourself in an area with ample air ventilation while using all polishes and removers to reduce your exposure (and also for those people around you) to irritating chemicals. You can also look for brands of nail polish without Formaldehyde, Toluene and Dibutyl Phthalate ((DBP); also known as “3 free”, as there are concerns about their general safety and they can cause irritation in some people.
