Learn what precautions to take to avoid a nail infection from a salon. Visit our urgent care near you for care and treatment.
Whether you’re treating yourself to a manicure before brunch at Stacks Kitchen or heading to your favorite nail spot after a stroll through Crooked Creek Park, a salon visit should be all about relaxing, not worrying about germs. But if your finger starts to swell or your nailbed gets tender a few days after your appointment, you might be wondering: Did I get a nail infection from the salon?
The short answer is: it’s possible. Nail salons that don’t follow proper sanitation guidelines can expose clients to bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. So, let’s talk about how nail infections happen, what signs to watch for, and when to seek care.
What Causes a Nail Infection After a Salon Visit?
Nail infections typically occur when bacteria or fungi enter the skin around your nail, usually through a small opening you might not even notice. This can happen when cuticles are pushed back too hard, trimmed too aggressively, or if the skin around the nail is scraped during filing or buffing.
A few common ways infections can spread at salons:
- Reusing tools without proper cleaning
- Not sanitizing foot baths between clients
- Using dirty towels or equipment
- Performing services on clients with open cuts or visible infections
Even a simple manicure or cuticle treatment can introduce pathogens if tools aren’t sterile. Once bacteria or fungi enter the skin, symptoms can start developing within 24–72 hours.
How Can You Tell If It’s a Nail Infection?
Sometimes it’s obvious, and other times, it starts small with a little tenderness or redness. Keep an eye out for these signs after your salon visit:
- Swollen, red, or painful skin around the nail
- Pus or yellowish fluid oozing from the nailbed
- A warm feeling in the area
- Thickened or discolored nails (especially in fungal infections)
Infections like paronychia, which affects the skin next to the nail, are among the most common. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or even yeast. If not treated early, it can become more severe and painful, potentially requiring prescription treatment.
How Can You Protect Yourself at the Salon?
Good hygiene is the best defense. Before your appointment at a salon in Indian Trail, take a moment to look around. Does the space feel clean and organized? Do the technicians wash their hands or change gloves between clients? Are tools coming out of sealed bags or sanitation devices?
A few extra precautions you can take:
- Be wary of cuticle trimming – this removes your body’s natural barrier to infection
- Bring your own nail tools, especially if you’re a frequent salon-goer
- Avoid nail services if you have cuts, hangnails, or irritated skin around your fingers or toes
- Ask questions – reputable salons won’t mind explaining their sanitation process
When Should You Visit Urgent Care in Indian Trail?
If you notice increasing pain, swelling, or drainage around your nail after a salon visit, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention – especially if home remedies aren’t helping. Nail infections can sometimes worsen quickly and may require antibiotics or antifungal medication to fully resolve.
At AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail, we offer same-day treatment for nail and skin infections. Whether you’re not sure what’s going on or just want to catch something before it gets worse, we’re here to help. No appointment is needed, and our convenient location means you can swing by on your lunch break or after work.
