In today’s society, beautifully manicured nails are a sign that we take care of our appearance. But, while on the outside, nails may look perfectly normal, fungal and bacterial infections are easily hidden beneath a layer of nail polish. Many times health complications are directly linked to procedures used to groom and adorn nails and/or the materials used by nail technicians. To educate people on how to avoid a nail infection, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), has developed a few important do’s and don’ts for consumers desiring perfectly manicured nails and healthy hands and feet:

Do’s:

• Do purchase your own tools for use in nail salon procedures: Many times infectious particles can travel on tools such as emery boards, which can not be sterilized.
• Do inquire about the sanitation standards of the salon: Before undergoing a nail salon treatment ask several questions such as: How do they clean their equipment and how often. If you get pedicures, how often do they change their filters in their foot massages?
• Do keep your toenails trimmed, clean and neat: Keeping nails healthy not only helps prevent the spread of infections; it also increases the patient’s overall health.
• Do see your dermatologic surgeon regularly: An annual visit to your dermasurgeon is a good opportunity to check your skin and nails for early signs of disease or problems. Find a dermatologic surgeon in your area. 

Don’ts:

• Don’t have your cuticles cut during salon procedures: If too much of the cuticle is cut back during the manicure, the cuticle can be separated from the nail and infectious agents can get into the exposed area.
• Don’ts shave your legs prior to exposure to the circulating water in a pedicure spa: Nicks and cuts from newly shaved legs can easily transmit mycobacterium infections from inadequately cleaned pedicure spas.
• Don’t go to unlicensed, untrained professionals: Each manicurist should have a state issued cosmetology license that is current and visibly displayed.
• Don’t let an infection go: If you suspect any problems, or there is any redness or soreness after a procedure, see your dermatologic surgeon – it may signal an infection.