Are you safe in your salon?

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Are you safe in your salon?

16 January 2010, 12:00am

With every trip to your local salon, you may be picking up several infections.

All of us like to get a little pampered every now and again. Sprucing up your

looks, however, should not come at a price. You don't want your beauty treatment

to leave you with an infection. Thousands of women and even men visit beauty

parlours every year, and though it may seem like a clean and safe environment,

countless people end up with skin and hair related problems. In fact, studies

say that other health issues, like respiratory conditions from breathing in the

fumes of polishes, hair chemicals and disinfectants can also be a cause for

concern. Just because your salon boasts of a swanky ambience and high-priced

services, it doesn’t mean you are safe. Viral infections including HIV,

hepatitis B and C, warts, bacterial and fungal infections, hair loss, skin burns

etc are some things to look out for.

Dr Rohini Wadhwani, dermatologist says to be careful when doing some of the

following beauty procedures. “When it comes to waxing, infection is most often

spread by the hands of the therapist. Whenever there is injury to the skin, it

is compromised and can allow bacteria, fungus or viruses to multiple and create

an infection. If the wax applied is too hot, burns can result or you can get an

allergic reaction to certain ingredients applied,” she says adding that the hair

should be pulled out in one go and skin irritation must be immediately treated

with topical antibiotics. Another point of concern, is dirty shampoo sinks and

combs. “Many of the tools at spas are non-disposable and if not sanitised

properly, can spread germs. The risk is especially high for equipment that comes

into direct contact with bodily fluids. Looking into the salon’s bathroom is a

good barometer for the rest of the salon,” she says.

While one can easily pick up infection from any beauty treatment, manicures and

pedicures come with the most risks. “A previous client could have had a wart or

fungal infection and if the tools are not washed properly, the infection can get

transferred,” says Dr Nina Madnani, dermatologist adding that an aggressive

pedicurist can cause nicks in the skin. She feels as a client one needs to be

very alert and stop the beautician if it gets painful or if the instruments

appear to be dirty. If possible, carry your own pedicure set. “When it comes to

facials, poor recognition of the skin type can aggravate pimples or rashes. A

full blown acne can take months to settle. Also warts are commonly seen when

using an unclean blackhead remover. Further, contaminated creams when massaged

into the skin could result in bacterial infections,” says Dr Madnani who

suggests avoiding very cheap salons.

Certain health regulations should be followed at parlours feels Dr Raj Parikh,

dermatologist. He says wax should not be left open as it can invite bacteria and

the waxing strips used should be of good quality. “When going for hair

treatments remember scalp infections or dandruff can be caused due to dirty

combs. For men, disposable razor blades should be used to trim their hair so as

to avoid hepatitis B and HIV,” he says. Further, getting piercings at salons are

a cause for worry. “The instruments should be thoroughly sterilised and kept in

spirit.” Keep the skin clean prior to the piercing and keep it dry for a few

days after to prevent infection.