Top 5 Ways to Avoid Getting an Infection in a Nail Salon

Lately, there is a post going around social media about some woman getting infected with AIDS after a manicure session. Read the article from DailyMail here.

First of all, this was a 2014 article and I could not find any further cases from the later years on the internet (please let me know if you do). Therefore can I say this is the one and only case so far?

Also, it was noted in some other write-ups of this same incident that it was a "suspected" case, not a confirmed one - so this makes me wonder which of the online news is the most accurate!

If you understand AIDS, there is a "window" period of which the symptoms will start to show and accelerate to become more serious, warranting a blood test. You can read more about AIDS here.

So it would be weeks of flu-like symptoms before this woman gets herself checked. During this period, she might be exposed to other possible risks of contact to get infected.

Even if this case is not confirmed as a Fact or Myth, there is still an unmistakable risk in a nail salon. Might not be AIDS, but other equally terrible contagious diseases like Athlete's Foot, Fungus, Ringworm, etc.

The processes involved in a manicure or pedicure can highly expose you to possible chances of cross-infection. Some of the processes includes:

• Sharing of non-sanitised tools (ie. nail files, buffers, toe separators, etc.)
• Sharing of a dirty foot bath (not properly disinfected in between customers)
• Injury caused by improperly disinfected metal tool (ie. cuticle nippers, nail clippers, etc.)
• Handled by an infected therapist
• Dirty towels

I had heard of unethical nail salons that cut corners to save operating costs. So I recommend that you rely on your eyes to observe the operations of the nail salon BEFORE you even start your manicure. Remember that it is OK to walk out of the salon before you start your appointment if you are not comfortable with what you observed.
Read about Salon Nightmares that are busted by undercover CBS reporters here.

Here are top 5 pointers on what to look out for:

• Are there a UV cabinet and Barbicide (read more about benefits here) soaking equipment in full view of the customers?
• Inspect towels if there are any dust or polish stains. Are there different towel set for use between manicure & pedicure?
• Observe if the pedicure bath basin is being scrubbed down after each client.
• Are the metal tools being sealed in a sterilised bag before using on you?
• Shop must look clean, neat and tidy at all times. Check manicurist's basket if it's clean and neatly arranged.

POINTS TO NOTE:
Here are some pointers to note before deciding to get your nails done. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry.

• If you have any open wound, avoid getting your nails done to prevent risk of cross-infection.
• Ensure to find out more about the hygiene procedures and protocols the salon observe.
• Manicures should NOT be painful. If you feel uncomfortable, especially during the cuticle cleaning process, speak out to the manicurist. 
• At no point in time should any injury be caused, common injuries are usually caused by inexperienced and careless staff. Some injuries involve cut from new nail files, over pushing of cuticles, over cutting of cuticles and nails. Make sure to apply antiseptic and see a doctor should you be injured during a manicure session. You should not proceed with the manicure and ask for a refund.
• Bring along your own manicure and pedicure tools for personal use. Ensure that the manicurist DO NOT mix your tools with their own and learn to disinfect or sterilise on your own at home after each use.

TOP 7 NEVERs for Your Nails!

Here are some NEVERs tips that you should not be doing to your nails! Hope this article helps you and your manicurist to better understand your nails... enjoy!

1. NEVER bite your nails
Nail biting is a common medical condition called onychophagia. This is a stress relieving habit that occurs at all ages.
Biting of the nails can weaken them and possibly cause other serious complications like infections and fungus. 
I had helped curing a few clients of their obsessive nail biting habit by maintaining a manicure regime or getting regular extensions. 

2. NEVER peel off your gel polish

Getting a long lasting manicure with the revolutionary gel polish is everyone's dream. But do you know that without proper application & removal, you can actually harm your nails?
As gel polishes are designed to adhere tightly to your natural nails for that wonderful chip free manicure, therefore by peeling them off will also peel off the layers of your natural nails, causing them to be thinner and brittle.

3. NEVER use your nails as tools

We are always guilty of trying to pluck off that staple or open that can of soda with our nails!

Such actions will increase the wear & tear of your manicured nails, causing premature chipping & breakage.
There are chances that your nails might rip off into the nail bed, causing bleeding and possible serious infections!

4. NEVER forget your cuticle oil

Cuticle oil plays a big part in your everyday nail regime. With exposure to aircon, washing of hands, and endless paperwork, the cuticles of our nails tend to be very dry.
Dry cuticles can lead to painful cracking which might cause infections and damage to new nail growth. 
As cuticle oil stays in the cuticle for a long period of time, a good cuticle oil with Vitamin E can help heal those cracked cuticles. You don't need a lot for all 10 nails so start investing in a good one.

5. NEVER leave your polishes on too long
All nail polishes contains pigment that varies between brands & shades. The stronger the color (ie. Reds & Blacks), the higher the pigment level.
Pigment is the main culprit in causing permanent yellow stains on your nails after prolonged use.
Slight buffing may remove the stain, but will thin out the nail as well.
Recommended duration is not more than a week.

6. NEVER be lazy

As the Chinese saying goes, "There's never an ugly woman, only a lazy one."
Our hands are the windows to our character. Showing a pair of well groomed hands not only helps getting that good impression but also your nails' well-being. 
A good regime is to have a professional classic treatment once every month and a good shaping every week. So learning some home DIY manicure can save you some money on the weekly shaping!

7. NEVER be boring
The local nail industry is fast growing to be in league with the advanced global nail trends. So be adventurous when dolling up your nails to be unique!
For nailart newbies, I recommend a "safe" glitter ombre design with some crystals to get used to them first. Then venture more into the other crafts like 3Ds and extensions. 

When in doubt, always trust your nail artist to help you.

Visit www.luxewomen.com.sg for 24/7 mobile nails at your doorstep! 

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