Salon infections. What is dangerous «Russian manicure»?

Manicurists, their clients and doctors have opposite views on how nails should look. For example, some of the most sought-after nail treatments are considered hazardous to health by doctors.

The most undesirable of them is the so-called «Russian manicure» — nail treatment with cuticle removal. Russian manicure not only leaves nails without natural protection. His Hepatitis B, C and even HIV infection can become a complication. Anastasia Zhdanova, general practitioner, deputy chief physician for medical work, told aif.ru about this..

The main function of nails is purely functional — to protect fingers from external mechanical and thermal effects. Problems arise due to the aesthetic function assigned to the nails, since manicure and pedicure procedures are associated with damage to the integrity of the skin.

Any injury during the procedure is fraught with the risk of contracting bacterial, viral and fungal infections, including such dangerous ones as hepatitis B, C and even HIV.

One of the most undesirable procedures is the so-called «Russian manicure» — a procedure with the processing (more precisely, removal) of the cuticle. Many people love edged manicure for a long-term result, which is not given by unedged («European») technique.

However, the skin, misidentified as the cuticle (generally the proximal fold of the eponychium), serves to protect the nail bed and nail matrix from harmful microbes and bacteria. According to dermatologists, the cuticle should not be cut or even pushed back, but left in place.

Check it!

Working with the cuticle requires more experience, skill and mandatory sterilization of instruments with additional disinfection.

According to officially approved standards (SanPiN 2.1.2.2631-10), all reusable instruments in a manicure parlor must be sterilized and disinfected in two stages.

Disposable instruments can only be used once. This means that the master must show you the sealed package and then open it. Reusable tools should be packed in special disposable kraft bags with an indicator that changes color if processed correctly.

Employees of beauty salons and nail studios must undergo regular medical examinations and have personal medical books.

And what about the feet?

The only method of treatment and prevention of foot and nail problems is a medical pedicure. It is performed by a podiatrist — a specialist with a medical education, who uses a special set of tools and consumables, including medicines.

You should definitely go to a podiatrist if a person has trichophytosis (onychomycosis, “nail fungus”), exfoliation of the nail plate — onycholysis, warts, nail injuries, their ingrowth and curvature. Additional indications for visiting such a specialist are psoriasis, eczema and diabetes mellitus with a diabetic foot.

Unlike cosmetic treatments and procedures, medical manicures and pedicures are considered safe for everyone. Even if you consider your nails and skin around you to be perfectly healthy, you need to go to a podiatrist at least once for a consultation. Especially after the age of 30 or when working with a load on the arms or legs.