subject: Fungus is among us [print this page] Fungus is among us Fungus is among us
Fungus infections are on the rise around the world. Partly because we are living longer and the fungal vectors are able to penetrate our healthy nails and infecting them. The term fungal nails is also called onychomycosis which means fungal nail. Onychomycosis is divided into four forms: distal, which is usually subungual or under the nail and caused by T. rubrum; white superficial,which affects the superficial layers of the nail; proximal subungual, which is commonly found in immune compromised people; and candida, which results from being immersed in water for periods of time or from trauma to the nail. These forms represents different dermatophytes that cause the nail to look yellow, brittle and abnormal.
The nails salons are also responsible for the spread of these fungal dermatophytes since many of the salons do not follow strict hygiene routines to eliminate the cross contamination from one client to another. The salons do not turn away an infected client; they perform the manicure or pedicure on these infected individuals and reuse the same implements are healthy nails from their next client. The nail stations where the clients sit are also at risk for infection if they are not properly cleaned between clients with proper disinfectants. The implements must also be sterilized and not soaked in blue water. The implements must not be lying around to be used by the next client without being properly disinfected and sterilized between clients. The nail files must be changed between clients so that any fungal debris on the files are not transmitted to the next client. I always say to my patients, bring your own implements and make sure the salon looks clean. Do not sit where the station is not cleaned between clients. Especially be careful of the files and insist that they change the file for you.
Another source of infection is the whirlpool; watch to see if they are disinfecting the whirlpool with bleach in front of you; do not allow them to put you in a whirlpool that has not been cleaned in front of you since many times they neglect to use the bleach between clients. Lastly,another source of concern is the cutting or pushing back of the cuticles. The cuticles should NEVER be touched in the nail salon since they protect the nail root or matrix from disease This area should not be touched since it is your protection from nail disease.
The bottom line is that your can eliminate your exposure to nail fungus, but beware that it is easily transmitted since many salons are not following the health guidelines that have been established by the CDC. Be your own advocate, watch the technicians in the nail salons and speak up if you see something that looks wrong. If you think you have a fungal infection, go see your Podiatrist who will help you rid the infection with supervised medication or cold laser treatments; both have an 85% cure rate for the fungus infection. Also there are certain new topical formulas that are now available that are 60% effective against the fungal infections. Lastly, remember to disinfect your shoes since they are also a source of reinfection.
