Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect your fingernails or toenails. If you’ve got it, you might notice that your nails are discolored, thick, or even crumbling.
While nail fungus can come from many different sources, one potential culprit is a pedicure. Nail salons that don’t properly sterilize their tools or maintain a sanitary environment can easily spread nail fungus from client to client.
That’s why it’s so important to educate yourself about salon hygiene and sterilization practices. You have the right to know that the salon you visit takes steps to protect your health and minimize your risk of contracting nail fungus from a pedicure.
How pedicures can lead to nail fungus
It’s true that a visit to the nail salon can sometimes result in a fungal infection, but it’s also true that you can take steps to make your pedicures safer.
Unsterilized tools
Those nail clippers, files, and cuticle pushers can hide microscopic organisms. If the salon staff doesn’t properly sterilize the tools between customers, fungal spores can move from one person to the next on these tools.
Autoclaving, or using pressurized steam, is the best way to sterilize tools. Chemical disinfectants, such as Barbicide, can also work, but they have to be used carefully and for the right amount of time.
Contaminated footbaths
A footbath may look refreshing, but it can also harbor organisms that cause fungal infections. Footbaths can easily become contaminated with fungal spores left behind by previous clients.
Salons should clean and disinfect footbaths between clients. Some salons use disposable liners to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
Identifying a Reputable Salon: What to Look For
It’s super important to find a salon that prioritizes cleanliness and safety. Nail fungus is definitely something you want to avoid.
Cleanliness and Hygiene Standards
Take a good look around when you walk in. Does the place look clean? Are the floors, surfaces, and equipment free from obvious dirt and debris?
Also, make sure the salon techs dispose of single-use items after each customer. They should throw away nail files, buffers, and other things that can’t be properly sterilized.
Sterilization Practices: Asking the Right Questions
Don’t be shy about asking how the salon keeps its tools germ-free. Ask how often they sterilize their equipment and what methods they use.
Keep an eye out for autoclaves or sterilization pouches, which are signs that the salon is taking sterilization seriously.
Licensing and Certification
Make sure the salon and its technicians have the proper licenses and certifications. Licensing is how you know the salon meets certain health and safety standards.
Protecting Yourself: Steps to Take Before and During Your Pedicure
Most of the time, a pedicure is a relaxing and safe way to care for your feet. But fungal infections are common, and they can be transmitted if salon workers don’t follow proper hygiene practices.
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
Before your pedicure
- Check your feet closely for any signs of infection, such as discoloration, thickening, or crumbling of the nails. If you think you might have a nail infection, wait until it has cleared up before getting a pedicure.
- Talk to your salon technician about any concerns you have about cleanliness and sterilization.
During your pedicure
- Make sure the technician washes their hands before beginning your pedicure.
- Ask for a set of tools that has been properly sterilized or that is brand new.
- Avoid shaving your legs just before a pedicure. Shaving can cause tiny nicks that increase your risk of infection.
Treating Nail Fungus: Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Treatment
If you get nail fungus from a pedicure, you’ll probably notice that your nail is yellowing, thickening, crumbling, or just generally looking weird, possibly even leading to a dead toenail. If you spot these symptoms, it’s important to start treatment right away. The sooner you treat the infection, the less likely it is to spread and become a bigger problem.
For mild infections, your doctor may prescribe a topical medication. For more severe infections, you may need to take an oral medication. Your best bet is to see a dermatologist or podiatrist to get a diagnosis and discuss your treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent a fungal infection after a pedicure?
To minimize your risk, choose reputable salons with strict hygiene practices. Make sure they sterilize their tools and foot baths between clients. You can even bring your own tools. Avoid shaving your legs right before a pedicure, as this creates tiny openings for bacteria. It is also important to ensure your feet are completely dry after the pedicure.
Why do some podiatrists not recommend pedicures?
While not all podiatrists discourage pedicures entirely, some advise caution due to the potential for infections. If the salon doesn’t adhere to proper sanitation standards, you’re at a higher risk of contracting fungal or bacterial infections. Podiatrists prioritize foot health and may suggest alternatives or stricter protocols.
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
No, you should not attempt to cut off your toenail yourself. This can increase the risk of further infection and complications. Consult with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment options, which may include prescription antifungal medications or topical treatments.
Should I wear socks to bed with toenail fungus?
Wearing clean, breathable socks to bed can help absorb moisture and prevent the spread of fungus. Choose socks made of cotton or other absorbent materials. Change your socks daily and wash them in hot water to kill any fungal spores.
How do you treat an infected toenail from a pedicure?
Treatment for an infected toenail from a pedicure usually involves antifungal medications, either topical or oral, prescribed by a doctor. Over-the-counter treatments are often ineffective for nail fungus. It’s essential to seek professional medical advice for proper diagnosis and the most effective treatment plan.
Wrapping Up
Getting a pedicure is a great way to pamper yourself, so don’t let the worry of nail fungus keep you from enjoying it. Choosing a reputable salon and taking steps to protect yourself from infection can help reduce your risk.
Make sure to ask questions, observe how things are done, and trust your gut. When you’re proactive about hygiene, you can enjoy your pedicures without worrying about the health and safety of your nails.