Nail fungus problems and nail salons go hand in hand. We live in a society that thrives on personal appearance. This is one of the reasons that nail salons exist. Unfortunately, some nail salons have a notorious reputation when it comes to how they sterilize their tools. Many of the owners of these nail salons are aware of the problem, yet they continue to do business with people with infected nails. As a result, other customers who come into their nail salon end up getting nail fungus themselves.

You have probably heard people talk about how a decent percentage of nail salons don’t properly take care of their supplies. There have been articles written about them. And even stories on television news programming. The sad truth is that these stories are as true as they appear. The worst part is that the people in charge of these nail salons are aware of the dangers involved. Unsterilized equipment is common practice due to laziness.

Not all nail salons are like this, of course. Some people who work in nail salons refuse to treat people with toenail fungus. While this may seem harsh, it is for the protection of their other customers. The better thing to do would be to use separate equipment for these customers and then explain to them how to get rid of the fungus. Since most nail salons don’t do this, you will likely have to learn about nail fungus on your own.

Are nail salons sanitary?

Nail fungus is a highly contagious infection. When nail salon supplies, such as toenail clippers, come into contact with a person who has already been infected with toenail fungus, that nail fungus could quickly spread to the next person who uses the infected equipment. Unless those tools are properly sterilized following the manicure or pedicure, the nail fungus will not be removed and could continue to spread from one person to another. This is why avoiding some nail salons can save you from a long battle with nail fungus.

This doesn’t mean that all nail salons are like this. Some of them really do keep their equipment up to proper standards. There are even some nail salons that refuse to treat people with nail fungus infections. While it may seem absurd to turn away business, this can be the right thing to do for the protection of their other customers. Of course, the better thing for them to do would be to use separate equipment for these nail fungus customers or tell their customers to bring in their own tools. In fact, customers without nail fungus should always bring in their own equipment to be on the safe side.

Fingernail Fungus

How to find a clean nail salon

Not all nail salons are like this, of course. Some nail salons keep their equipment up to proper standards. Occasionally, people who work in nail salons even refuse to treat people with nail fungus. While this may seem drastic, it is for the protection of their other customers. The better thing for them to do would be to use separate equipment for customers with nail fungus. They can also explain to these customers how to get rid of the fungus. Since most nail salons don’t do this, you will likely have to learn about nail fungus treatments on your own.

Try antifungal nail polishes

If you are sure that your nail salon properly sanitizes its equipment, then it might be okay to keep going to them. However, simply wearing nail polish could lead to a nail fungus infection. Try asking your nail salon if they would be willing to use antifungal nail polishes. If they use an antifungal nail polish, the chances of you getting a nail fungus infection will decrease. If they refuse to use antifungal nail polish or don’t sterilize their equipment properly, you would be better off taking your business elsewhere.

Artificial Nails cause Nail Fungus

Why it’s important to sterilize nail tools

Toenail fungus is very contagious. When nail salon tools, such as toenail clippers, come into contact with someone who has been infected with toenail fungus, that nail fungus could easily and quickly spread to the next person who uses the same tool. Unless that equipment is properly sterilized following the manicure or pedicure. If this is not done, the fungus will continue to spread from one person to another.

How you can get infected with toenail fungus

Nail fungus is highly contagious. When nail salon supplies, such as toenail clippers, come into contact with someone who has been infected with toenail fungus, that nail fungus could quickly spread to the next person who uses the same equipment. Unless that equipment is properly sterilized following the manicure or pedicure, the nail fungus will not be removed and could continue to spread from one person to another.

If you are sure that your nail salon properly sanitizes its equipment, then it might be okay to keep going to them. However, simply wearing nail polish could lead to a nail fungus infection. Try asking your nail salon if they would be willing to use antifungal nail polish. If they use an antifungal nail polish, the chances of you getting a nail fungus infection will decrease. If they refuse to use antifungal nail polish or don’t sterilize their equipment properly, you would be better off taking your business elsewhere.

Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus

If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes one treatment. Other treatments, like topical solutions and oral medication, are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed.  This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication. 

Our nail doctor in Phoenix, AZ, recommends this treatment. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, it is not painful.

If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.