Knowing the hazards that lurk in a salon can make your manicure and pedicure relaxing and enjoyable instead of dangerous. Lower-end and cheaper nail salons can seem a good idea at the time to save a few dollars, but the risks might weigh more than the savings.
A trip to the salon is considered a time to pamper oneself and get some much needed me time. The last thing that is on your mind is leaving the salon with a nail infection or some other health problem. There are many risks involved with going to your favorite pampering spot. However, by knowing what these risks are can greatly reduce the chance of getting a nail infection or acquiring some other health problem.
Common health risks
The most common health problem at salons is fungal infections. These infections can be caused by yeasts, bacteria, and/or fungi. These types of infections are easily transmitted from instruments and foot baths that are not properly cleaned and sanitized. Infections can be transmitted by the manicurist themselves if they have not properly washed their hands, work areas, or products that have come in contact with some sort of contaminate. If there is a bright side to this, it is nail infections hardly ever cause any other health issues. An infected nail will have a yellowish tint to it and will become very thick.
Chemical and other health risks
It is normal to find chemicals in a salon, however it is not something that most people would even think about being a risk to their health. Chemicals should be properly sealed at all times. If they are not, fumes could cause respiratory problems. The chemicals are spilled and made contact will the skin, this could lead to skin irritations and burns. A salon that is not properly ventilated, will not be properly cycling out fumes and cycling in fresh air. A chemical fire can easily be started by any open flame. The chemicals and adhesives used to apply fake nails can also result in allergic reactions and respiratory. Getting a small cut that bleeds is not usually during a manicure. However, an open wound leaves exposed to the rare possibility of contracting diseases such as HIV or hepatitis or a basic infection.
Treatment options
There are a few options when it comes to a fungal infection. Antibiotics can be used to treat the infection. There are also some over the counter topical treatments for fungal problems. It is important to follow all directions in order for any treatment to work. It will take some time for the infected nail to grow out and be replaced with a new one. Nails that are not treated in any way will take a long time to recover.
Tips for prevention
One of the best ways to prevent having any problems at the salon is to ask about their sanitizing and cleaning procedure. As the consumer you have the right to know whether they clean their stations after each appointment and that the salon as a whole follows proper cleaning procedure. If your salon and manicurist is not licensed, you may want to seriously rethink your choice. If the hands of your manicurist are not clean and look to have cuts and other abrasions, turn around and leave.
Extra tips for the healthiest nails
One of the ways to guarantee that all the instruments that are going to be used on your nails is to be your own to the salon. Also, request that your cuticles not to be cut. Have them pushed back to prevent getting a cut. Do not shave your legs before having a pedicure. All open cuts could become infected while at the salon. If having acrylic nails put on, make sure to only wear them for a brief amount of time. Acrylic nails can damage the natural nail and lead to infections if left on for long periods of time. Consider having gel nails done instead of acrylic nails. If your trip to the salon ends in any health problems, contact your doctor right away as well as the salon.
And last but not least, one of the best things that you can do for yourself and the health of your nails is to visit a professional spa like Bellezza Spa in Centreville, VA. The professionals at Bellezza Spa know how to give you only the best of the best treatments, such as our Bellezza Signature Manicure. You really can’t find any better than this and you owe it to yourself to experience the best!