Any trip to the nail salon has a risk of infection. Learn what precautions to take & visit us for proper care.
After a weekend walk through Lenoir’s historic downtown or a peaceful hike at Hibriten Mountain, treating yourself to a mani-pedi sounds like the perfect way to unwind. But what if your relaxing salon visit ends with more than polished nails, like redness, pain, or even a strange infection?
Unfortunately, nail salons that don’t follow proper hygiene practices can put you at risk for a variety of illnesses. Let’s talk about what kinds of infections are most common, how they spread in salon environments, and when it’s time to head to urgent care for help.
Can You Really Get Sick from a Nail Salon?
Yes – if tools, surfaces, or water basins aren’t properly cleaned between customers, bacteria and fungi can thrive and spread. Even small nicks in your skin from nail trimming or callus scrubbing can open the door to an infection.
Common illnesses linked to unsanitary nail salons include:
- Bacterial infections, especially from staph or pseudomonas
- Fungal infections like athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, or ringworm
- Viral infections, such as warts or herpes simplex
- Mycobacterial infections, which can cause serious skin damage if untreated
These issues aren’t just uncomfortable, they can spread quickly and become more serious if ignored.
How Do These Illnesses Spread in Salons?
Salons can become a hotspot for infection when cleaning protocols are overlooked. Illnesses are often spread through:
- Shared tools like nail clippers, files, or cuticle pushers
- Reusable foot basins that aren’t sanitized properly
- Contaminated towels or surfaces
- Unsanitized hands or gloves of technicians
- Unclean products like lotions or exfoliants used on multiple people
If a salon seems rushed, dirty, or reluctant to explain their sanitation steps, it’s okay to walk out and find a safer spot.
What Are the Signs You’ve Picked Up an Infection?
Not all infections show up right away. Some might develop within 24–48 hours, while others take a few days. Be on the lookout for:
- Redness or swelling near the nails or toes
- Pus-filled blisters or painful bumps
- Peeling or cracking skin between the toes
- Discolored, thickened toenails
- Itchiness, burning, or warmth in the affected area
If your symptoms are worsening or spreading, it’s best to have them looked at by one of our healthcare providers.
Tips to Stay Safe at Lenoir Nail Salons
While many salons in Lenoir are reputable and follow strict cleaning guidelines, it’s smart to be a little cautious. Here are a few ways to protect yourself:
- Don’t shave your legs right before a pedicure as this increases your risk of infection
- Bring your own tools if you’re prone to infections or have sensitive skin
- Avoid services if you have any open cuts or sores
- Ask about sanitation practices – are tools sterilized or disposable?
- Choose salons that visibly clean stations between each client
If a salon seems overly busy or unhygienic, there are plenty of other options in the Lenoir area that take cleanliness seriously.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care in Lenoir?
If your symptoms don’t clear up quickly – or if they’re getting worse, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. Skin infections, especially bacterial or fungal ones, often need medication to resolve.
At AFC Urgent Care Lenoir, we treat a wide range of minor illnesses and skin concerns, including infections caused by salon visits. Our team can identify the type of infection you have and prescribe the right treatment, whether it’s a topical cream, oral medication, or antifungal therapy.
We offer walk-in availability, extended hours, and convenient care that works with your schedule, so you don’t have to wait and wonder.
