I so enjoy getting a manicure. Nothing makes me feel more "put together" than when my nails and hands look polished and pampered. It is an indulgence and can actually be beneficial to the health and beauty of your skin and nails. However, there are certain potentially dangerous pitfalls that I look out for at a nail salon:

1. Avoid the UV nail dryer.  This instrument is directly exposing the hands to radiation. Over time it can lead to premature aging of the skin and theoretically even cause skin cancer, as it is like having your hands in tanning bed. If you enjoy the types of nail treatments like a Shellac Manicure, that require this light, ask the technician if they have an alternative to UV drying.

2. Nail implements should be sterilized. Most states do not require mandatory licensing or cleanliness standards for nail salons. Make sure your establishment sterilizes instruments after each use. If they don't or you are not sure, bring your own manicure set including nail files and buffing instruments.

3. Avoid cuticle cutting. Cuticle skin provides protection to your fingers and nails. Tell your nail technician not to cut them. If you wish for them to be cut in spite of risk for infection, use a sterilized cuticle trimmer or bring your own. If the skin gets cut and you bleed, this means the person doing the job was way too aggressive. Bleeding from an incidental cuticle cut has an unlikely but real risk for spreading viruses as serious as HIV and Hepatitis.

4. If you have a nail infection or sore finger or toe, check with your doctor before having a manicure or pedicure.

5. Artificial nails, wraps and acrylics all have a risk for infection and allergic reaction. I see this countless times in my practice. Try to work with your own nails and stay natural. The chemicals used in the artificial or wrapping procedures are quite harsh, leading to skin reactions and can easily allow bacteria and yeast to breed in the space between your nail and the attachment. If you notice a funny color to your nail bed, get it checked right away.

In spite of all I said, I still greatly look forward to my next manicure but I proceed with great caution.

Happy Spring!

Blogging off,
Dr. Zalka