Nail Fungus from Salons

Can you pick up nail fungus from salons? The answer is yes, but you shouldn't. A conscientious manicurist should clean and sterilize the area and any instruments between clients to ensure that fungal spores are not spread from one person to another, and in many localities there are strict regulations enforcing this. In addition, the experienced manicurist should be able to recognize the early signs of nail fungus and abstain from working on infected nails, instead advising the client to see a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment. Still, some salons do not adhere strictly to regulations and individual manicurists may be lax in their conduct or sterilization techniques. When it comes to salons, it's a case of "buyer beware."

People pick up nail fungus from spas and other beauty and health establishments for a variety of reasons. Wherever there are hot tubs and saunas, or any other place that has continually high humidity, the conditions are good for the survival of fungal elements. When someone with a fungal infection uses the facility, fungal spores can be left behind - spores that are viable and capable of growing and infecting someone new. The skin and nails of the feet are at particular risk here, and those that walk barefoot on wet tile floors, pool decks, or other wet surfaces risk picking up a fungus. Nail fungus from salons is more often transmitted from contaminated tools and instruments. In this scenario the infection is more likely to be on the hands, as many people visit salons for manicure only.

Some fungi that grow in the environment are capable of causing nail fungus infections. They are found in soil and decaying organic material and invade the nails when hands and feet come in contact with them. Nail fungus from spas, however, is more likely to be a true dermatophyte, a fungus well adapted to taking nourishment from keratin, the protein found in nails. Once under the nail - nail fungus from salons may be introduced through the cuticle, at the edges of nails, under the tip, or even under artificial nails - spores are protected in a warm moist environment and they begin to grow. Infiltrating the nail and spreading out form the starting point, they gradually destroy the structure and create an ugly brown scaly nail.

To avoid getting nail fungus from salons, make certain that your manicurist is a licensed trained professional. Ask about sterilization procedures and standards, and satisfy yourself that the premises are clean and orderly. As an added precaution, it's a good idea to bring your own tools to ensure that you are not being exposed to anyone else's health problems. After your manicure, have any redness or soreness assessed by a medical professional. To avoid nail fungus from spas, again, take a look at the premises and ask about sanitation procedures. Always wear footwear whenever possible and never share personal items such as towels or clippers. If nail or skin conditions occur after a spa visit, have them seen to promptly.