Keisha Brown, Gleaner Writer

Janine Morris shows off her healthy nails. - Contributed

You arrive at the salon for the pedicure you've been looking forward to all week. You smile sweetly at the receptionist, and your nail technician walks toward you and beckons you to join her at her station.

You sit down, remove your shoes and soak your weary, feet in the pedicure spa. Then, you engage in animated chatter with your technician who has become a friend of sorts throughout your many visits. She takes one of your feet out of the bath and begins to work on it with her nipper.

Did she sterilise that nipper before she touched your feet? Hmmm. Did you see her sterilise anything at her station, or are you one of the many clients who ASSUME she does before she calls you around to her station?

What you should know

Scores of people visit your salon daily and receive manicures/pedicures. Some of those clients may have an existing nail infection. If the equipment in the salon is not properly sterilised, the infection can be passed on from one individual to another.

During the course of a manicure/pedicure, the cuticles (which function to prevent infection) are removed, making the nails more susceptible to infection. Frequently, while removing the cuticles, there is injury to the surrounding area, creating an entry site for the fungal organisms.

An infection of nail fungus (onychomycosis) occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. A fungal nail infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail or fingernail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolour, thicken and develop crumbling edges - an unsightly and potentially painful problem.

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What to look for

You may have a fungal nail infection if one or more of your nails are:

Thickened

Brittle, crumbly or ragged

Distorted in shape

Dull with no lustre or shine

Has dark colour, caused by debris building up under your nail

What you should do

If you suspect that you have a nail infection, see a dermatologist as soon as possible. He/she may prescribe an oral medication and/or a nail lacquer which you apply directly to the nail. It may take several weeks before you see the effects of treatment, as you have to wait for new nail to be laid down.

The nail will have to grow out completely before it will look normal again after treatment. This may take 12 months for toenails and approximately six months for fingernails.

What you should do when next you visit your salon:

Enquire about how instruments are used, i.e., whether new instruments are used for each client, and how they are sterilised between clients.

Consider bringing your own instruments to the salon. This will ensure your own safety.

If you visit a salon and later develop a nail fungus, report the problem to the salon manager/owner. Most nail salons would want to know if there was a problem so that they could address the issue properly.

Sources: www.mayoclinic.com, Dr Michael S Lehrer, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center.