Do Pretty Toenails Put You at Risk for Infection?

Do Pretty Toenails Put You at Risk for Infection?

Published by: Patch.com

Asking your nail salon the right questions can save you from skin and nail infections.

The sun is out, the air is warm and Minnesotans are baring their toes.

As we head to salons to have our feet and nails buffed and polished, many of us are not aware of questions we should be asking to make sure we don’t end up with yellow toenails or more dangerous skin infections.

Fungal infections of the nails and skin, called dermatomycoses, are more commonly known as “ringworm” infections. They can cause thickening and yellowing of toenails and athletes foot. Other related fungal diseases are body ringworm, jock itch (groin ringworm) and even scalp and beard ringworm.

These fungi don’t cause dangerous diseases in healthy individuals, but are unsightly, itchy and hard to get rid of. You can pick them up at the gym, the pool, or at the nail salon if equipment hasn’t been properly cleaned and sterilized.

 Staph infections, caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, can be much more dangerous—even deadly. Staph bacteria live on people’s skin and can invade your body through a hair follicle or a break in the skin. Some staph bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics, and it can be very difficult to treat the infections they cause.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make sure you leave the salon with pretty nails but without a nasty fungal or bacterial infection.

First of all, ask your salon how they sterilize their equipment between customers. Autoclaving is best (high heat plus pressure), but soaking instruments in a germicidal disinfectant for at least 10 minutes between customers is allowed in most states. New files should be used for each client.

Don’t let a nail technician cut your skin with a clipper or blade. Remember, bacteria enter skin through cuts and nicks.

Along the same lines, don’t shave your legs within 24 hours of getting a pedicure. You should also reschedule if you have a cut, crack or open blister on your feet or legs.

Ask how often soaking tubs are cleaned and disinfected. Ideally, salons should put a clean plastic bag over the tub for each customer. Remember, you can bring your own equipment (files, buffers or even tub-liners) for a safer pedicure!

Following a pedicure, watch for new pimples or sores that look like bug bites on your feet or legs, calling your doctor immediately if you see one. Infections are often easy to cure if caught early on, but can be dangerous if left unattended.

Toenails fungus is extremely common and very hard to treat, so it’s best to avoid getting it in the first place by making sure pedicure equipment has been properly sterilized.

Edina’s Spalon Montage uses Opi’s Spa Complete system to make sure their clients aren’t exposed to harmful germs. Pedicure instruments are washed and soaked for a minimum of ten minutes in a hospital grade disinfectant containing the antimicrobial agent Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride. Foot baths are cleaned thoroughly between customers, using the same chemical.

Don’t stay away from pedicures. Show off those pretty toes. Just be sure that your nail salon is doing their best to keep you healthy!

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com or www.walkwithdiabetes.com.   The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging:  Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures.  In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries.  This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time.  Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery.  Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options).  Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!