Why the Nail Salon May Not Be Such a Good Idea

Going into the nail salon to get your toenails and fingernails painted and one every few weeks can seem like a real treat. And although pampering yourself never hurt anyone, the germs and bacteria that are in your nail salon might. According to one study, 52 percent of women who go to nail salons have dermal or fungal infection systems. But what exactly is a fungal condition and how can it be treated? Let’s delve a little deeper into the subject.

What is a Fungal Infection?
Nail fungal infections can be caused by a variety of things including athletes foot or, you guessed it, a bad visit to the nail salon. Fungus grows in moist, damp areas and is extremely contagious. So, if someone comes into a nail salon and has nail fungus and the tools and bath aren’t properly cleaned, then you are very likely to contract it.

What Are the Symptoms of Nail Fungus?
People who have nail fungus usually suffer from a variety of symptoms including ridges on their nails, brittle nails, whitish or yellowish nails, red or black nails, green nails, pitted nails, and redness and tenderness around the toenails.

How Can It Be Treated?
Depending on how severe your fungal infection is will help us at Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center determine how to treat it. Typically, fungal infections can be treated with an oral agent like Lamisil® or Sporanox®. Additionally, by taking Biotin, a naturally occurring vitamin, it can help to strengthen brittle nails.

If you think that you have a nail fungal infection, then schedule an appointment at our Santa Monica office today and give us a call at 310-829-4104.