Having your nails done is a hot commodity these days, but spending time in a nail salon can also pose many risks! In our practice, we often see the many skin and nail problems that can come from these relaxing salon treatments.
The biggest risk is infection. Bacterial and fungus love warm, damp places like foot spas and reused nail tools. These infections can cause redness and swelling around the nail bed or thick discolored nails. Small cuts from trimming cuticles too aggressively can open the door to these germs. Warts and even herpes simplex (cold sores) can be spread if instruments aren’t properly sterilized.
In addition to infection risks, during these treatments your nails and skin are exposed to many harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde and others. This can trigger allergic reactions and skin rashes on the hands or elsewhere on the body including the eyelids. Gel and acrylic nails use strong adhesives that can cause nail thinning, brittleness, and separation (onycholysis). Many salons also use UV lamps to cure gel manicures. Frequent exposure to UV rays under these lamps can cause premature skin aging and even skin cancer.
Still, many of us enjoy having nicely manicured nails. Be sure to choose a salon that sterilizes their tools in an autoclave, not just a disinfectant solution. We also recommend bringing your own nail file and buffers. Applying sunscreen to hands before UV exposure can also be helpful. Take breaks between treatments to allow nails to recover and moisturize your hands and nails regularly.
Nail salons and treatments are here to stay but knowing the risks and taking a few simple precautions can help keep your skin and nails healthy. Be sure to visit our office if you notice redness, swelling, pain, rash, or other nail changes.