Just what are the risks involved?
Aug 08, 2010
A manicure and pedicures are a must-do for many ladies. <br>Unfortunately, beautiful as the outcome might be, it is one of the channels through which fungal infections are spread.
A manicure and pedicures are a must-do for many ladies.
Unfortunately, beautiful as the outcome might be, it is one of the channels through which fungal infections are spread.
“Fungus is an organism that presents in yeast or rust form,†Henry Bukenya of Trinity Medical Centre, Kampala says.
A fungal infection is contagious and can be spread by direct contact. It flourishes in moist areas.
Bukenya says the common fungal nail infections are:
Felon infection
This is an infection on the fingertip pad and the soft tissue around it. It mainly presents with callous formation — the nail develops a rock-like surface and a discolouration at the base. It can be treated using anti-fungal drugs. The earlier it is treated, the better or one risks losing their nails.
Toe nail infection
This condition presents with a painful abscess or swelling that contains pus around the nail area. Delaying treatment can also lead to nail loss.
Athletes’ foot
This mainly affects the big and last toes. It presents with itching, discolouration of skin around toes and redness as a result of the itching.
Fungal infections are mainly a result of poor hygiene. Bukenya says one whose nails are worked on using sterilized instruments is at a lesser risk of acquiring a fungal infection.
Sterilizing manicure tools after each client is worked on helps prevent fungal infections. Poor hygiene can also spark off a fungal infection.
“Fungi are like pollen, they are easily spread,†Bukenya says.
Expert’s advice
Gertrude Katatumba, a professional cosmologist, says the best way to avoid a fungal nail infection is by taking hygiene and professionalism seriously.
Go to salons with professionals and choose a salon that takes hygiene seriously.
Check if your salon has a sterilizer for the manicure tools.
Foot spurs should be washed thoroughly.
Ensure that prior to a pedicure or manicure, an antiseptic or disinfectant is poured into the water in which your feet are to be soaked.
Never allow a manicurist to use tools that have been used on another client unless they are sterilized.
If you don’t trust the tools in salons, carry your own. However, sterilize them, it does not matter that you are the only one who use them. Use surgical spirit, or an antiseptic.
Do your manicure and pedicure at home.
Dos and Dont’s
Avoid wearing wet socks and shoes. Fungi breed in moist places.
Ensure your feet are dry before you wear shoes.
Scrub your feet thoroughly.
Never allow a manicurist to use tools that have not been sterilized.
In case your feet easily get moisturized, use dermatological powders, for example clotrimazole powder to prevent moisturisation and to keep your feet dry.
After the tattoo or piercing
Wash hands before applying ointment to the tattooed or pierced area.
Eat foods with a keratin protein, for instance carrots, avocado and fish. Keratin boosts strong nails.
Unfortunately, beautiful as the outcome might be, it is one of the channels through which fungal infections are spread.
“Fungus is an organism that presents in yeast or rust form,†Henry Bukenya of Trinity Medical Centre, Kampala says.
A fungal infection is contagious and can be spread by direct contact. It flourishes in moist areas.
Bukenya says the common fungal nail infections are:
Felon infection
This is an infection on the fingertip pad and the soft tissue around it. It mainly presents with callous formation — the nail develops a rock-like surface and a discolouration at the base. It can be treated using anti-fungal drugs. The earlier it is treated, the better or one risks losing their nails.
Toe nail infection
This condition presents with a painful abscess or swelling that contains pus around the nail area. Delaying treatment can also lead to nail loss.
Athletes’ foot
This mainly affects the big and last toes. It presents with itching, discolouration of skin around toes and redness as a result of the itching.
Fungal infections are mainly a result of poor hygiene. Bukenya says one whose nails are worked on using sterilized instruments is at a lesser risk of acquiring a fungal infection.
Sterilizing manicure tools after each client is worked on helps prevent fungal infections. Poor hygiene can also spark off a fungal infection.
“Fungi are like pollen, they are easily spread,†Bukenya says.
Expert’s advice
Gertrude Katatumba, a professional cosmologist, says the best way to avoid a fungal nail infection is by taking hygiene and professionalism seriously.
Go to salons with professionals and choose a salon that takes hygiene seriously.
Check if your salon has a sterilizer for the manicure tools.
Foot spurs should be washed thoroughly.
Ensure that prior to a pedicure or manicure, an antiseptic or disinfectant is poured into the water in which your feet are to be soaked.
Never allow a manicurist to use tools that have been used on another client unless they are sterilized.
If you don’t trust the tools in salons, carry your own. However, sterilize them, it does not matter that you are the only one who use them. Use surgical spirit, or an antiseptic.
Do your manicure and pedicure at home.
Dos and Dont’s
Avoid wearing wet socks and shoes. Fungi breed in moist places.
Ensure your feet are dry before you wear shoes.
Scrub your feet thoroughly.
Never allow a manicurist to use tools that have not been sterilized.
In case your feet easily get moisturized, use dermatological powders, for example clotrimazole powder to prevent moisturisation and to keep your feet dry.
After the tattoo or piercing
Wash hands before applying ointment to the tattooed or pierced area.
Eat foods with a keratin protein, for instance carrots, avocado and fish. Keratin boosts strong nails.