Hidden Dangers in Nail Products & Services

For many women (and, increasingly, many men) a manicure or pedicure is one of life's great pick-me-ups. Whether you make a weekly pilgrimage to the salon or spend the time looking after your nails at home, there's nothing like a good pampering. However, in some cases, this pampering comes at a risk.

Numerous dangers lurk in both the home and the salon, from infections caused by dirty tools to painful burns from the strong chemicals used for nail care. Recognizing the potential hygiene pitfalls can help protect your nails and your general health and let you continue to enjoy your mani-pedi.

Rules and Regulations

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the use of nail products in both the home and salons. FDA rules require that cosmetic products, when used correctly, should not contain substances that harm people. Meanwhile, local and state regulators are responsible for policing nail salons and defining rules for salon and technician licensing.

However, even with the supervision of these agencies, nail products and services can still cause harm. For example, the FDA has identified several chemicals commonly found in nail polish that may pose dangers, including:

• Acetonitrile, a toxic solvent used to remove artificial nails
  
  
• Formaldehyde, a chemical found in nail hardeners that is also used as a preservative
  
  
• Methacrylic acid, a highly toxic acid found in nail primers
  
  
• Toluene, a solvent used to dissolve paint (including nail polish)

Used correctly, these chemicals are typically harmless. However, in some people, they can provoke various reactions ranging from redness and swelling of the nail bed to damage to the nail root, causing deformed nails. Serious injury and even death can occur if the chemicals are swallowed.

Experts urge people to use these products according to the manufacturer's instructions. This should sharply reduce the risk of an adverse reaction. If you think you might be susceptible to an adverse reaction from a product, apply it to a small area of your skin or nail and wait for 24 hours. If you have a reaction, avoid using the cosmetic in the future.

Salon Surprise

Leaving your nail care to the professionals does not necessarily guarantee a worry-free experience. Nail salons can also be a source of health dangers.

Although states generally impose strict sanitary regulations on salons, some facilities ignore the rules and slip through the cracks. It can be difficult to know whether or not a salon is cutting corners. One way to tell is to look for posted certificates that indicate that both the salon and the individual technicians have passed licensing requirements. If these certificates are not visible, you shouldn't go ahead with the treatment.

In addition, look for telltale signs that a salon may not be adhering to all the rules and regulations. These include bargain-basement pricing, dirty floors or counters and general disorganization.

One of the most important aspects of nail salon hygiene is the sanitation of tools used to cut, clean or file the nails. An unsanitary tool tainted with bacteria can easily cause an infection in a client's nail or surrounding tissue.

Many salons use a special heat sterilizer called an autoclave. Salons that don't use an autoclave may use a chemical solution or, in some cases, fresh tools for each person. If you are unsure how the salon disinfects its tools, ask the technician. Some tools, such as emery boards, cannot be sterilized, so a fresh one should be used for each customer. Many experts suggest that customers should bring their own tools to the salon as a way of ensuring safety.

In general, you shouldn't visit a salon if you have any cuts or open wounds because of the risk of bacteria or viruses entering the body. Additionally, women should avoid having a pedicure if they have recently shaved their legs in case they have nicks that may become infected.

If you do experience redness or soreness after a manicure or pedicure, don't wait for it to get better by itself. See your physician to make sure you haven't contracted an infection.