Dr. Marc Blatstein says getting a beautiful & yet safe manicure or pedicure can be achieved with a little diligence; either by going to a medically supervised facility, or by identifying a salon that practices similar sterilization techniques. These salons do exist as seen in Nails Magazine.
Per Dr. David Johnson, medical regulations to autoclave nail instruments are not mandated in the cosmetic industry. The only way to fully eradicate infectious organisms is through a very technical process called autoclaving. The methods used to autoclave metal instruments in medical offices and hospitals nationwide are regulated by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and involve an intense heat and pressure treatment for up to 45 minutes at 272 degrees Fahrenheit.
Paula Abduls manicure resulted in her getting an infection. She is not alone as news articles today are filled with examples. Autoclaves (machines that have FDA clearance for sterilization purposes) are now available for salon use to help mitigate dangerous infections like HIV/AIDS or MRSA the flesh-eating disease. These are the same as have been used by hospitals and the greater medical community. While they have in the past been very expensive, autoclaves recently have become available at more affordable prices.
Dr. Marc Blatstein recommends the following:
-A nail salons level of cleanliness really hinges on whether its not only aware of the sterilization musts, but on how consistently those requirements are being followed. Whether there is sufficient compliance with disinfection requirements is an important variable in the safety of salon and barbershop services from a public health perspective.
Its very important to look beyond how expensive or beautiful a spa or a salon is as it is no guarantee that it will be free of fungi and bacteria. Ask to see sterilization logs, their autoclave as well as observing that they remove the instruments from a fresh sterilized bag just before their use.
Whirlpools commonly used in pedicure spas need to be cleaned with either bleach or hospital grade disinfectant, most important with their water jets running. Viruses/bacteria/ fungi is known to reside in their water filtration systems, and it is impossible to clean them with the systems off. Still unsure, a disposable tub liner can be brought to be used in during any whirlpool. Water filled tubs that do not have a drain or water jet are safest, but still these too need to be cleaned the same way.
Ask to see if their correct licenses are posted in clear view.
Observe to see if manicurists wash their hands thoroughly between clients.
Across the country there are also professionally supervised Medical spas. One Marc Blatstein is familiar with is located in Richmond Va., The Foot & Hand Spa (http://www.footandhandspa.com ). These physician based facilities for the most part only use medical-grade skin care products and EPA-registered hospital disinfectants. Sanitation procedures utilized meet or exceed OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards for maintaining a clean environment and preventing the spread of germs and disease. Instruments here too are sterilized using the same techniques a hospital uses to sterilize surgical instruments. In addition to a clean environment these medically run spas are able to evaluate & create special care Spa or Salon treatments for those who are diabetic, undergoing chemotherapy or who have other diseases that require special care.
