Nail Salon Safety - What You Need to Know
Salon pedicures offer an hour of relaxation and pampering for a relatively low cost. They are a regular indulgence for many of our patients. But with a salon available every block or two in, how do you choose one that will keep your feet safe from infection? Poor hygiene can lead to the transmission of viruses and bacteria, even at the most beautiful salons. It's easy to pick up toenail fungus or to find yourself dealing with a plantar wart after an appointment.
Here are eight recommendations that are sure to minimize your risk at the salon:
Start with a look around. Does the salon look clean and tidy? Are employees without customers busy sweeping and cleaning? Do you see licenses posted on the wall? Are they up to date?
Is the salon using disposable hygiene items such as surgical gloves and foot bath liners to keep customers safe?
If you have your own manicure/pedicure tools, bring them with you. That way, you're sure that nothing touching your feet has touched anyone else's.
If you don't own tools, make sure that you see the salon using effective sterilization techniques. Each station needs to have its own glass jar filled with a turquoise-colored combination of water and tuberculoidal disinfectant, which is more effective than UV sterilizers.
Never shave your legs before a pedicure. Germs can enter the bloodstream through tiny nicks that you can't even see. Don't worry about offending the nail tech with your stubble. He or she has seen worse.
Don't let the nail tech use sharp blades on your feet. This includes nippers for cutting cuticles and razors or graters for removing calluses. These implements can create the small cuts that allow infections to enter your body.
Allow time for your nails to dry naturally. UV light is a timesaver, but it's dangerous for the skin.
Talk to your friends before making an appointment. Select based on personal recommendation, rather than picking based only on price or location.
Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.