What Are the Risks of Getting Nail Fungus at Nail Salons?

If the pedicure and manicure tools aren't sterilized you are at risk of getting a fungus.

Nail fungus is a common affliction. It is possible to contract a nail fungus in a nail salon if the technician has not property sanitized and sterilized her tools. When a customer or the technician has a nail infection, this can be spread if the tools aren't properly cleaned.

You Can Be At Risk

According to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, bacterial infections and nail fungus are sometimes the outcome of receiving a professional manicure or pedicure. When you have a manicure or pedicure, the skin around the nails (the cuticles) is cut and this leaves an opening through which fungus can infect the nail.

MMA Dangers

When methyl methacrylate (MMA), which is an acrylic nail sealant, is used, this makes the nails unbreakable and causes the nail bed that is under the acrylic nail to disintegrate.

Acrylic Nails

If water gets underneath the acrylic nails, this can cause a fungus and mold to develop. Water gets through cracks in the acrylic nail and causes the nail bed to burn.

Pedicure

When getting a pedicure you place your feet into foot baths, which can be a breeding ground for various fungi and viruses. You are especially at risk if you have a cut on your foot.

What To Do

Before getting a manicure or pedicure ask if new and clean instruments are used for each customer and how the equipment is sterilized. Some salons are demanding that customers buy their own packet of instruments which they bring with them to the salon.

References

• Medical News Today; Nail Fungus and Nail Salons, Even Celebrities Aren't Immune; Rachelle Ross; July 2005
• "The Daily Journal": Nail Enhancements Increasing, So Are the Risks; Tracy Ahrens; August 2000
• Disability Resource Directory: How to Avoid Infections when Getting a Manicure
• Nail Fungus Treatment: Fingernail Fungus
• University of Iowa: Manicures or Pedicures May Lead to a Nail Fungus; August 2007