Is Nail Salon Hygiene a Concern?

Walk into any suburban shopping centre these days and you are bound to find a very busy nail salon. It looks like such a relaxing and pampering experience. The girls are all having a great time, chatting and laughing with their friends. The “Mani-Pedi” has become the perfect gift certificate to give someone you love…or more appropriately, to your worst enemy.

related: Podiatrist melbourne

Nail salons have been cropping up everywhere. They cater to our desires for beauty – a perfect manicured hand and summer sandal worthy feet. However, for many people they are becoming a nightmare, due to the increasing risks of infections & diseases that are readily passed on by untrained, unlicensed and unscrupulous nail technicians. The health risks can range from minor irritations to serious problems that require proper medical attention. The costs of these health risks are not only physical, but can be emotionally and financially detrimental to repair.

The most common health risk to be aware of is the development of a fungal infection in the nail. Known as Onychomycosis, the fungus that affects nails can range from dermatophytes, yeasts (eg.Candida) and moulds, with the most common pathogen being the dermatophyte species Trichophyton (T.Rubrum and T.interdigitale).