From ASDS.net:
In today's society, beautifully manicured nails are a sign that we take care of our appearance. But, while on the outside, nails may look perfectly normal, fungal and bacterial infections are easily hidden beneath a layer of nail polish. Many times health complications are directly linked to procedures used to groom and adorn nails and/or the materials used by nail technicians. To educate people on how to avoid a nail infection, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), has developed a few important do's and don'ts for consumers desiring perfectly manicured nails and healthy hands and feet:
Do's:
- Do purchase your own tools for use in nail salon procedures: Many times infectious particles can travel on tools such as emery boards, which can not be sterilized.
- Do inquire about the sanitation standards of the salon: Before undergoing a nail salon treatment ask several questions such as: How do they clean their equipment and how often. If you get pedicures, how often do they change their filters in their foot massages?
- Do keep your toenails trimmed, clean and neat: Keeping nails healthy not only helps prevent the spread of infections; it also increases the patient's overall health.
- Do see your dermasurgeon regularly: An annual visit to your dermasurgeon is a good opportunity to check your skin and nails for early signs of disease or problems. Find a dermasurgeon in your area.
Don'ts:
- Don't have your cuticles cut during salon procedures: If too much of the cuticle is cut back during the manicure, the cuticle can be separated from the nail and infectious agents can get into the exposed area.
- Don'ts shave your legs prior to exposure to the circulating water in a pedicure spa: Nicks and cuts from newly shaved legs can easily transmit mycobacterium infections from inadequately cleaned pedicure spas.
- Don't go to unlicensed, untrained professionals: Each manicurist should have a state issued cosmetology license that is current and visibly displayed.
- Don't let an infection go: If you suspect any problems, or there is any redness or soreness after a procedure, see your dermasurgeon - it may signal an infection.
