Don’t overlook itchy skin after visiting the salon. You may be at risk of infection. Visit our clinic today for dermatology treatment!

A fresh manicure or pedicure is one of those small joys that can brighten your whole week, especially after a morning browsing the shops or grabbing coffee near the Duck Pond. But if you’ve noticed that your hands, feet, or skin are suddenly itchy after a salon visit, it might not just be dry skin or a product reaction.

Sometimes, itchy or irritated skin can be a sign of a mild infection or allergic reaction caused by poor sanitation practices in salons. If you’ve been left wondering whether your relaxing appointment is to blame, you’re not alone, and there are some important things to know.

Visit AFC Fountain City today.

What Could Be Causing the Itchiness?

There are a few possibilities when it comes to itching after a salon service, and most of them come down to one issue: unhygienic conditions or improper product use.

One of the most common culprits is contact dermatitis, which happens when your skin reacts to something it’s come in contact with. This could be from harsh chemicals in nail polish, removers, or adhesives used during artificial nail applications. But it can also stem from bacteria or fungi lingering on tools or surfaces that weren’t properly cleaned.

Foot baths, in particular, are a known trouble spot. When not sanitized between uses, they can host fungi that lead to conditions like athlete’s foot – a common cause of itchy, red, or peeling skin between the toes or on the soles of your feet.

Another possibility is a mild fungal or bacterial infection, especially if your skin was broken or irritated during your service. Something as simple as a cuticle trim or callus removal can open a pathway for germs.

How Do You Know If It’s a Reaction or an Infection?

Itching alone isn’t always a major concern, but you should watch for other symptoms that might hint at an infection.

For example, if your skin is not just itchy but also:

• Red or warm to the touch
• Swollen or painful
• Blistering or peeling in an unusual pattern

…then it’s a good idea to have it checked out.

Reactions like contact dermatitis usually clear up within a couple of days, especially if you avoid the irritant and apply a soothing lotion or hydrocortisone cream. But infections tend to get worse, not better, without treatment.

If you’ve been to a salon and symptoms persist or spread, don’t wait it out.

What You Can Do to Prevent Future Issues

Here in Fountain City, there are many great salons that care about cleanliness, but as a client, it’s smart to be proactive. Before your appointment, take a minute to look around and observe:

Does the salon appear clean and organized? Are tools being pulled from sealed pouches or cleaned between clients? Does the foot bath look like it’s been scrubbed recently?

You can also consider:

• Bringing your own nail tools (especially for manicures)
• Avoiding services that aggressively trim the cuticle or scrape skin
• Skipping appointments if you have open cuts or scratches, as these make you more vulnerable to infection

If you’re prone to skin sensitivities, let your technician know before they use any lotions, scrubs, or adhesives, especially if they’re scented or contain alcohol.

When Should You Visit Urgent Care in Fountain City?

If your skin is red, itchy, or irritated for more than a day or two or if symptoms start to spread or become painful, it’s time to check in with a provider. Infections can worsen quickly, especially around the hands or feet, where bacteria can easily travel.

At AFC Urgent Care Fountain City, we can take a close look at what’s going on and determine if you’re dealing with a reaction or an infection. If treatment is needed, we can prescribe antibiotics, antifungal creams, or other medications to get your skin back to normal.

No appointments are needed, and our convenient location in Fountain City makes it easy to swing by, even if you’re running errands or picking up groceries nearby.