How safe is that mani-pedi?

There are over 56,000 nail salons in the United States. The average manicure costs about $20, and average pedicure costs about $30. Nail salons are a $7 billion dollar industry in our country.

But how safe is that mani-pedi?

The biggest risk at a nail salon is infection from a skin abrasion or nick, such as when the cuticle is cut. When this happens, bacteria can enter the skin, resulting in an infection.

One study found that 75% of salons do not follow state protocols for disinfection of equipment. Experts state that salons should sterilize their tools with a special machine called an autoclave. However, most salons use liquid disinfectants to clean tools, which is only effective if the instruments are soaked for about 20 minutes.

The most common infection is bacteria such as MRSA, however other infections such as Hepatitis B and fungal infections are possible from nail salons.

What can you do to be safe? Patients who have medical conditions such as poor circulation or diabetes should not go to typical nail salons, and should check with their podiatrist to find out where they can get routine nail care.

It has also been suggested that clients bring their own nail instruments if possible.

If a client sees any redness or signs of a rash after a nail salon visit, they should seek immediate medical care.

Another risk at nail salons is the drying stations, that harden the nail polish. However, these lamps emit UVA rays, the same rays as tanning beds. These rays can damage the skin and could potentially lead to skin cancer.

What about the chemicals at a nail salon? Chemicals such as acetone, toluene, and formaldehyde can pose potential health risks. Some patients have sensitivities to these chemicals. If a client has skin sensitivities, or underlying lung problems, they may need to avoid nail salons.

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