There are a number of things you can do to help prevent nail fungus and infections, says the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. The society offers the following tips:
- Purchase your
own tools for use in nail salon procedures. Infectious particles can be
transmitted on tools such as emery boards, which cannot be sterilised.
- Ask about the
sanitation standards of nail salons. How do they clean their equipment and
how often? How often do they change the filters in the foot massages?
- Keep your
toenails trimmed, clean and neat. Keeping your nails healthy helps prevent
the spread of infection and helps your overall health.
- Make an annual
visit to a derma surgeon to have your skin and nails checked for early
signs of illness or problems.
- Don't have your
cuticles cut during salon procedures. If too much of the cuticle is cut
back during a manicure, the cuticle can be separated from the nail, and
infectious agents can get into the exposed area.
- Don't shave
your legs before they're exposed to circulating water in a pedicure spa.
Nicks and cuts from shaving can be infected by bacteria in inadequately
cleaned pedicure spas.
- Don't ignore
infections. If there's redness or soreness after a procedure, it may be a
sign of an infection. See your derma surgeon.
- Only go to
licensed, trained professionals. Each manicurist should have a
state-issued cosmetology license that is current and visibly displayed.
Ouma se Kombuis
