The IAA One Minute Blog

With summer on its way, women (and well groomed men) may start going to the local salon for manicures and pedicures. Though manicures and pedicures are certainly not restricted to summer, sandals are back in season and so women are likely headed to the salon to get their toenails done. While this seems like a fun way to spend an afternoon, there are potential health hazards.

Hazardous to Your Health

Believe it or not, the cosmetic industry is not required to adhere to the same sterilization regulations as hospitals and medical offices for tools they use. This has led to an increase in transmissible diseases in nail salons.

There are quite a few health risks associated with nail salons:

• Fungal Infections-Such as Athletes Foot and yellow fungal nails
• Bacterial Infections-Such as Staphylococcus and other organisms, mandating oral antibiotic treatment
• Viral Infections-Such as Plantar Warts and even Hepatitis B and C

Getting your finger and toe nails polished can be fun, but there are risks you need to consider before sitting down in the chair.

What to Look Out For

Don't be afraid to go to the nail salon, just be alert to what is going on around you. Here are ten warning signs to look out for:

1. Salon uses bottles with unmarked containers
2. Nail technicians cannot tell you what's in the products
3. The products have an unusually strong or strange odor
4. Skin is being abraded or cut
5. The salon is not clean
6. The instruments are not sterilized
7. Licenses for the salon and operators are not visibly posted
8. Skin or nails hurt
9. Gels do not come off easily in solvents designed to remove them
10. You see swelling or redness or other signs of infection

If you see or experience any of these things, don't feel embarrassed about leaving. There are plenty of nail salons that follow proper procedures.

Last Minute Tips

Here are a few tips that can help reduce your risk of getting an infection:

• Carry your own nail tools to the salon
• Clean your personal tools with rubbing alcohol every time you use them
• Tell the technicians about any cuts, medications or health conditions that may affect your treatment
• Manicures and pedicures should never be painful before or after treatment

Always remember that manicures and pedicures are for beauty, not for pain.

What IAA has to Say

Insurance Administrator of America wants you to get in the feel of summer, but not at the risk of your health. No one wants to spend the summer fighting off an infection. With these tips from IAA you can get your nails and toes polished, but in a healthy and safe environment. Just think of us as your self-funded insurance nail technician.

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