Visiting a nail salon should be a relaxing and pampering experience. As a nail salon customer, there are a few concerns and precautions that you should be aware of.
A concern has been growing in the public over staph and similar infections, and whether one source could be salon services. While this is extremely rare, an infection is possible under certain conditions.
Salon customers should be vigilant about the salons they visit before and during a service. With this in mind, Regal has researched some general information concerning salon safety for you.
We come in contact with a variety of bacteria and viruses every day, and rarely suffer ill effects. However, if we are not careful, these germs can infect us through our skin and cause problems, some of them severe.
Nail salons are most concerned about a few varieties. One is known as mycobacterium fortuitum. These bacteria live in soil and water and can wind up on our skin. They generally cause no problems, but if there are enough nutrients around to feed on and if the temperature hits a specific warm range, these bacteria can multiply rapidly. This is when they can cause problems for people. During that time, if they come in contact with a cut, scrape or other opening in someone’s skin, the germs can infect the skin, causing painful and unsightly eruptions, spreading quickly.
Nail fungus creates another concern. This fairly common condition can invade fingernails, but generally occurs under the toenails because feet stay warmer and more moist. The infection causes the nail to discolor, grow oddly and sometimes crumble at the edges of the nail.The parasite that causes nail fungus can be passed to another person. People with diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system are the most likely to get it.
Nail technicians are trained to spot these infections, and should not to perform any manicures or pedicures on infected clients. It’s better for salons to take simple precautions to ensure it doesn’t happen.
If you think you may have any sort of skin infection or nail fungus, see a doctor immediately. Do not go in for a manicure or pedicure.
Bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, are one of the most common causes of skin infections. About one in three people at any time carry staph on the skin or in the nose – meaning there’s a one-in-three chance you have staph on your skin right now. These germs typically cause no problems. However, they can survive on nearly any surface you can touch, and can infect even the smallest cut or break in the skin.
Most of these infections are minor, causing an outbreak on the skin’s surface, and are easily treated. Some strains, however, have learned to survive many of the antibiotics that are used to kill them. These strains, known as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), are nasty and can cause severe, even life-threatening infections.
Doctors began to see the MRSA types of staph in health care facilities during the 1970s. During the 1990s, these strains began showing up in certain places out in the community. The spread and a rise in the number of cases has created a great deal of concern, which is why Regal is doing what it can to educate the public.
Most infections will start out looking like a pimple or boil, and can have drainage. The area is generally red, swollen, warm to the touch and painful. The infection can cause a fever. More serious infections, if untreated, can cause a range of severe problems that could be life-threatening.
The good news is that most staph and MRSA infections are treatable with antibiotics or treatments on the skin itself. It is important not to panic about MRSA – infections are still relatively uncommon. The best news is that all staph infections, including MRSA, can largely be prevented by taking a few precautions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found higher concentrations of staph in the following places. This does not mean these locations are necessarily dangerous places to be. It does mean you have to be aware of the need to take precautions.
Also, keep in mind that staph can live on a variety of surfaces. Be aware of anything or anyone you touch. Some of the surfaces where staph is most commonly found:
Only 15% of MRSA cases have occurred in the general community (outside the hospital), but it pays to take precautions anywhere you go. If you fall into the following categories, take extra precautions – you are at somewhat higher risk.
The most important thing you can do is practice good daily hygiene, and follow these suggestions: Bathe or shower each day. Staph and other germs build up on the skin – soap and water get rid of them.
Wash your hands often and thoroughly for at least 15 seconds with soap and water. This is the single best defense against germs and infections as your hands generally carry the biggest concentration of germs on your body. Use a paper towel to dry and another to shut off the water and open the door to the restroom. If you’re not near a basin and soap, carry and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or sanitary wipes.
If you have an infection, a painful area, or a sore on your legs or feet, postpone a pedicure until the problem is gone.
With any cuts, scrapes, open wounds, or even cracks from overly dry skin, treat the wound by washing thoroughly, disinfecting with alcohol, and keeping it covered with a clean bandage until completely healed. Repeat that process regularly and remember to wash your hands before changing the bandage and after. Throw away the old bandages and tape. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
Here you will find a few tips on how to take care of your feet at home to preserve their beauty and health.
If you have an infection or are not feeling well, postpone your pedicure and take a break from working out. When ill, your immune system will be weakened, making you more likely to pick up an infection, and you may spread your illness to others. Wait until you’re feeling well or the wound has completely healed.
If you have any infection of the skin, the nails, or a blood borne infection, do not go in for salon services. You are putting others at risk. If you have any serious underlying health problems, such as diabetes, poor circulation in feet or hands, a weakened immune system, or any chronic illness, do not go in for salon services. You are putting yourself at risk.