We all want to look our best and do a little self pampering and what better way to pamper ourselves than with a manicure and pedicure.

Nail salons provide services to hundreds of people and it’s important to choose a high quality salon with adequate hygiene to avoid accidental exposure to fungus, bacteria and viruses. To avoid a nail salon nightmare follow this guide:

1. Licensing – Make sure the salon is licensed and the staff has proper training. Podiatrist commonly see infected ingrown toe nails as a result of nail technicians that were too aggressive with their nail trimming.

2. Open cuts – avoid the salon if you have any open cuts or wounds on your feet or legs. Exposing any open wound to an environment like a salon that has a high volume of customers sharing the same chairs and whirlpools may lead to.

3. Whirlpools – avoid soaking your feet in whirlpools or the water basin connected to the chair. These are often difficult to clean and harbor bacteria. You can ask to have your feet soaked in a separate tub or use a disposable liner in the whirlpool.

4. Tools – ask the salon if the tools used are autoclaved or if disposable instruments are used. You can bring your own tools with you and clean them yourself to avoid the spread of warts.

5. Bring your own nail polish – salons use the same polish brush for each of their customers and this can result in the spread of nail fungus. Bringing your own polish will avoid any cross contamination and reduce your risks of developing a fungal infection.

Podiatrists commonly see infected ingrown toenails, plantar warts and fungal infection as a consequence from nail salons. If you think you have any of these infections come see one of our doctors at Foot & Ankle Doctors, Inc.

 

Dr. Farshid Nejad