An Abundance Of Pseudoscience
A tough problem that embarrasses people makes for a fertile breeding ground for pseudoscience and old wives tales which Liz found when researching online.
Hydrogen peroxide, bleach. I mostly use tea tree oil and lavender, she said.
The abundance of miracle cures touted online makes Tracey Vlahovics life difficult at times.
Oh, dont get me started. If I had a dollar for everything I had heard, Id be a millionaire at this point, she said. From benign treatments such as essential oil, vinegars and mouthwash to the noxious bleach option, Vlahovic has seen it all. Its not just about applying something to the nail, it has to be something that will get through the nail plate and into the nail bed where the infection is. So, it doesnt matter what you use, it has to be able to penetrate.
Are Artificial Nails Harmful
Acrylic and gel nail solutions contain chemicals that could harm your natural nails and overall health over time. While these products may not cause short-term health problems, the application process may cause harm to your natural nails.
If acrylic or gel nails come loose, you could be at greater risk for a fungal nail infection. When the seal between the material and your nail is broken, a nail fungus can form in the nail bed. If you notice any discoloration on your nails, such as green, white, or yellow spots, contact your doctor.
Some people may have an allergic reaction to the products used to create artificial nails or to the solution used to remove them. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include redness and itchiness around the nail bed. Others may develop an eyelid dermatitis from allergies to chemicals in the nail polish or remover caused by rubbing their eyes.
Over time, repeated application and removal of artificial nails can weaken your natural nails, making them thin and prone to breaking.
Nail Salons And Toenail Fungus
You are at risk of fungal infections when you get pedicures at a nail salon. That risk is highly reliant on the nail salons sanitation. Most visits to the salon do not necessarily lead to toenail fungus, but its better to be aware of the possibility.
The potential problems with pedicures are communal foot baths, poor training, and strong chemicals. Yeasts, molds, bacteria, and fungi thrive and multiply in warm, damp environments. Many nail salons use jacuzzi type foot baths that can be difficult to clean. If the foot bath is not cleaned and disinfected between customers, you would be at a high risk of infection.
Poor training of nail technicians can put you at risk because some nail technicians lack training in sanitation techniques. Tools need to be sanitized before every use to make sure no infection can be transferred from one person to the other. Nail polishes and nail polish removers contain strong chemicals. These chemicals can be damaging and dehydrating for the nails especially when they are not applied properly or too much is applied. This makes the nails dry and brittle, making them prone to fungal infections.
The next time you get a pedicure, make sure to choose a safe nail salon. There are different factors to consider when choosing a nail salon.
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Laser Treatment Is Your Best Option
So what are you to do? The most important thing at this point is to get your infected toenail/s treated first. Although getting a pedicure is not likely to worsen the infection , it is not a good idea to ignore the condition. You could use topical medications. But, if you are looking for immediate results, you should consider undergoing a laser procedure.
Our laser treatment at Clear Toes Clinic has an excellent track record of treating toenail fungus permanently. That way, you can be assured that getting pedicure with toenail fungus should no longer be an issue for you.
Do You Want Your Cuticles Cut Back
Overly aggressive cuticle care can lead to infections.
Paronychia is a bacterial infection that occurs around the nails. It causes painful, often red, swelling at the cuticle . This may develop pus and extend further on the fingertip. It may require a doctor to open and clean a severe infection, but it can improve with soaking the finger. It may require topical or oral antibiotics, especially if it involves the bacteria MRSA.
Paronychia can be caused by trauma to the nail cuticles, such as from pushing and cutting them back. This can introduce bacteria through the cuticles into the skin, which creates an infection.
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Is Toenail Fungus Contagious
Toenail fungus is contagious in the sense that it is possible to get it. However, most people are resistant to the fungus and will only develop it if there are some underlying problems like lower immunity, damaged nails, or prolonged exposure to moist, wet conditions surrounding the feet. Because toenail fungus is so common, you can expect that more than one person in a household may have it, but that doesnt necessarily mean that one person passed it to another. The fungi, mold, and yeast that commonly cause toenail fungus are present in most moist, wet areas, including home bathrooms, bathtubs, and showers. A person catches toenail fungus by having weakened nails and then being exposed to the fungus, rather than simple exposure to another person with toenail fungus.
Does A Pedicure Help Ingrown Toenails
You can still get a pedicure with an ingrown toenail but there are limited things your nail tech can do for you. Accordingly to Kimberly, the lead nail tech, stated, The State Board limits and prohibits us in treating these types of conditions.
If you are looking for relieve of an ingrown toenail, do not be persistent with your nail tech because their hands are tied when it comes to this. Instead, go to a podiatrist so they can effectively fix your ingrown nail.
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What Causes Nail Fungus
Many things can cause nail fungus, but it all starts from fungi that get into the nailbeds and fester. Small, microscopic organisms called fungi cause an infection in the nail that multiplies. Commonly, a condition such as ringworm or athletes foot introduces the fungi to the nail.
Still, having skin-to-skin contact with other contaminants or someone infected can also cause this unsightly problem. Places like locker rooms, saunas, or a pool deck are also loaded with fungi, they love to dwell in moist areas. Walking across a public pool deck barefooted may be all it takes to introduce fungi to your nails.
You can pick up this infection from a pair of finger or toenail clippers, or even a bath towel in the household. Another shocking thing to consider is that you can develop this fungus even if you havent been exposed. The feet of someone who wears socks and shoes are regularly subjected to moisture from sweat, and its easy for fungi to thrive in such an environment.
How does the fungus make the leap from the skin to the nail? Here are a few ways to consider:
- Cuts or abrasions surrounding the nailbeds
- Cracks or tears in the nail
- A space or separation between the toe or finger and the nail
Underneath the nail is nice and warm because the body is nearly 99 degrees. The infection can set up residence there as its the perfect breeding ground to live and thrive. Once it begins to grow here, it will move and spread to other areas of the body.
Will Nail Salons Do Pedicures If You Have Toenail Fungus
There are two types of salons, there one that will do a pedicure with nail fungal infection and the one that will not do it at all. Lets start with the first type that will do it, some times you go to the salon without knowing you have the fungus or/and the nail technician does not know about nail infection so they take tools and start with cutting, filling, polishing and nourishing your feet
or the nail tech is aware of the fungi but just do the pedi anyway. So it is very important to tell the nail tech about your nail infection when you call for appointment so that they know before treatment starts to avoid spreading it. Some of the nail parlors they will ask you to bring your own equipment when you come for a pedi to avoid spreading the infection in the salon
and spreading it to other clients via tools that are used and if they realize that you have fungal infection during treatment they will ask you to pay for the tools that were used on you and take them home to avoid contamination of the nail parlor.
The second type is that one that will not do a pedi on your feet because you have toenail fungus and they dont want to spread fungal infections from one client to the other. They may send you to the right podiatrist to help you clear your toes.
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Does Peroxide Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus
Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus microbes. Soaking your foot in peroxide can, in some cases, help get rid of toenail fungus. However, because it is difficult for hydrogen peroxide to reach all of the areas of the toe where the fungus can grow, such as under the nail, in the nail bed, it can be difficult to completely treat advanced fungus with peroxide alone. Using peroxide as a preventive or early intervention tool can be quite effective, however.
Types Of Artificial Nails
The two most popular types of artificial nails are acrylics and gels. Both are used to lengthen, thicken, and strengthen your own nails.
- Acrylic nails adhere to the natural nail bed. The acrylic solution hardens and forms a seal after it is applied.
- Gel nails are similar but can appear more natural than acrylics. The gel is applied in layers an ultraviolet light is used to dry them faster. Gel nails typically last longer than acrylics.
- Other types of artificial nails include shellac and silk nails .
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Nail Polish And Contaminated Equipment
A 2018 study found evidence that fungi may be able to live and multiply in some nail polishes. It may be a good idea to avoid sharing nail polish.
Contaminated equipment at a nail salon can also expose you to types of fungi that may lead to an infection.
Your fungal infection may not cause any symptoms in the beginning, until it progresses.
As the infection gets worse, you may experience:
Fingernail infections often clear up on their own or with home remedies. Antifungal medications are used for more serious infections.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Nail fungus infection occurs due to several causes such as athletes foot or an injury that breached the integrity of the nails allowing fungus to penetrate. Poor hygiene, hot and humid climate can also lead to fungal infections. However, these can be avoided.
Besides giving the nail an unsightly look, nail fungus can cause discomfort or even be painful. When you visit a nail salon, observe the hygiene protocols carried out by the nail technician. The tools that are used must be sterilized and sanitized, and the pedicure basin that you soak your feet in must also be sanitized after each use.
It is very important to go to a nail salon with experienced nail technicians. Very often, we encounter customers who have nail fungus infections, especially on the toe nails, and not even aware of it. For someone who does manicure and pedicure regularly, the natural nails are usually covered by beautiful artwork other than when the polish is being removed. An experienced and professional nail technician should check the condition of each nail during the process of grooming and inform you when they discover any infections, so that it will not be left untreated.
Daily care for yourself is also important. Nail fungus thrives in warm and moist environment. Avoid prolonged exposure to water and ensure that your nails are cleaned and dried.
When you know one nail is infected, act on it immediately, as nail fungus can spread to the adjacent nails.
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Benefits Of Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment
Even though a lot of people fear the toe-nail fungus laser treatment, but still it is the most effective one.
Here are a few benefits, these can vary as per the patients condition.
- This treatment in quick, you only need to visit the doctors three to five times in a few months only.
- In the laser treatment, the doctors make sure that the natural look of your toenail is not damaged, and you can retain the shiny toenail.
- It is the last resort, when no other medical treatment such as creams and medicines are working.
- It is a painless treatment, unlike the topical creams, or surgeries that may cause pain. So, it is the most recommended one for the older people and kids.
- You do not need to go through the liver-enzyme tests, which is a pre-requisite for other fungal removing treatments.
Hacks For Avoiding Toenail Fungus In A Nail Salon
At this time of year women love to go to nail salons or spas to get pedicures. And I don’t blame them. It’s a relaxing, wonderful treat to have an expert rub your feet and paint your nails. Unfortunately not all nail salons are very scrupulous when it comes to cleaning their tools or having a sanitary foot soak.
The last thing you want from a relaxing pedicure is a nasty bacterial or fungal nail infection.
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What If I Get Turned Down From A Toenail Fungus Pedicure
Some people have been known to offer to bring their own foot basin and nail utensils when they have a fungus in a bid to convince the salon to give them a pedicure.
But most salons will still refuse you after all, toenail fungus can spread very easily, particularly in the wet conditions of a salon.
If youre desperate for a pedicure, however, fear not as there are certain spas that specialize in medical pedicures or toenail fungus cover-ups.
They apply a topical treatment to the affected nail which makes your nails look like new and attempts to halt and reverse the fungal spread.
These spas can also treat other foot problems like excessive hard skin, callouses and more.
Bear in mind that theyre generally more expensive than your average pedicure, but it will be a much better investment for your toenails.
Read Also: What Causes Nail Fungus On Hands
You Should Also Bring Your Own Polish
While they wont openly admit it, some nail salons secretly dilute their polish. Not only is it not sanitary, but it also means youre being taken advantage of.
Some salons will dilute with nail polish remover nail polish bottles that have become clumpy from old age or from too much air exposure,Jin Soon Choi, owner of Jinsoon Natural Hand and Foot Spas in New York City, told TotalBeauty.com.
Thats why you should always come with your own polish handy. Sure, its not quite as exciting as picking something out once you arrive, but it will save you money and keep you safe. You cant beat that.
Also Check: How To Get Nail Polish Off Clothes
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Using Baking Soda For Acrylic Fungus
For many years, baking soda has been an effective treatment for nail fungus, even if it is caused by the acrylic nails.
All you have to do is make a hand or foot soak mixed with a tablespoon of baking soda. It will gradually heal the nail fungus. The estimated healing time with the baking soda is almost 7 months.
If you find the nail fungus treatment with baking soda tough, think of using the baking soda paste. Mix the baking soda with an essential oil like the snakeroot extract, or any other ionized oil, and apply it twice a day.
Another amazing thing to treat nail fungus is putting a few pinches of baking soda in the gloves, and killing the already present fungus spores.
Dont Trust A Nail File You Cant Take Home
No two people should use the same nail file. However, at far too many salons, a file may be used repeatedly to cut costs. Its unsanitary to use a nail file on more than one client, celebrity manicurist Elle Gerstein told Refinery29. If the person before you had a fungus, it can spread to you.
At his boutique, Crisalli gives guests their nail files to take home with them, which ensures that they are never re-used. If you notice your nail salon is secretly using nail files again and again, you should point it out to them or maybe find a new salon.
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How To Get Rid Of Nail Fungus
The nail fungus that appears on the artificial acrylic nails may not be as life-threatening. However, if not taken seriously, it may result in the fungus spreading into the natural nails.
This could lead to inflammation, itching, and pain and a cosmetically unpleasant natural nail appearance.
Some people may grow accustomed to ignoring symptoms, making it easier for the infection to spread. Hence, you should always seek immediate care upon noticing early signs.
There is also the home treatment for nail fungus from fake acrylic nails. These include the following:
After this is done, remove the nail. Do not put on another one if you suspect an allergic reaction to the nails.
Always clean any excess nail glue using both warm water and a nail sponge
If you notice any infesting fungus, get rid of them using home remedies such as tea tree oil, baking soda solution, apple cider vinegar, or mouthwash.