It is an infection on the nails due to pedicure. It is not uncommon and in the U.S. some outbreaks of pedicure infections have occurred in the last years. You should be aware of the hygienic measures of pedicure centers. For example, you must be sure that instruments are disinfected after each use. One important risk factor is to have done waxing or hair removal within the last hours.

Symptoms
Depending on the microorganism causing the infection (virus, bacteria, fungus) symptoms may differ. Certain infections can start looking as insect bites, but thereafter evolve and form boils filled with pus. The problem is that some of the infectious agents are resistant to common antibiotics and cure may be arduous. There is also a risk that the infection extends to other tissues becoming a serious illness.

Causes
Usually the cause is an inadequate hygiene of the manicure salon. Apart from the instruments, that should be cleaned and disinfected after each use, foot baths are other potential origin of infections. In particular, baths with bubbles are very difficult to maintain completely clean because they contain relatively complex systems that can take skin debris from infected clients.

Prevention
The best way to avoid these types of infection is to be sure that the pedicure salon has the health board certification and that follows strict hygienic practices. You can also make use of your own instruments. In fact, many pedicure centers sell instruments to their clients. If you suspect an infection treat it immediately.

BDST: 1639 HRS, Oct-26, 2014