Don’t Let Beauty Damage Your Nails: A Salon Safety Guide

Common complications of Manicure, Pedicure, Nail extensions

Fungal infection of nails/Onychomycosis

Occurs due to use of unsterilized tools, dirty water, or shared nail files.
Fungal infections of the nails are becoming increasingly common, especially after salon visits where hygiene is compromised.
Unsterilized tools, shared or rough nail files, and dirty footbath water can easily transfer fungi to your nails.
These infections often start as discoloration, brittleness, or thickening and can worsen if ignored.
At SkinPrayag, we see many patients who develop nail problems after routine manicures or pedicures done in unhygienic settings.
Always ensure that salons use sterilized instruments and disposable files for healthy nails If you notice any changes in your nails, seek early dermatological care for faster, effective treatment.

Bacteria enter through small cuts or over-trimmed cuticles.
Salon nail procedures, when done without proper hygiene, can expose clients to bacterial infections.
Over-trimming of cuticles and tiny unnoticed cuts allow bacteria to enter the nail folds easily. This often results in paronychia, a painful nail-fold infection that can become acute and lead to pus formation.
Many patients experience redness, swelling, and tenderness within a day or two of a salon visit. To prevent such infections, ensure that salons follow strict hygiene, avoid excessive cuticle cutting, and use sterilized tools.
If symptoms appear, consult a dermatologist at SkinPrayag or refer to our salon safety guide for heathy nails for early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Ingrown toenails commonly develop when toenails are cut too short or given an exaggerated curved shape during pedicures.
Overzealous rounding creates a sharp speck or pointed edge that grows sideways into the surrounding nail fold.
This tiny nail fragment stays embedded in the skin, causing persistent irritation, swelling, and sometimes infection.
As the pressure increases, the area can become painful and inflamed, often progressing to a full-blown nail fold infection.
To prevent this, nails should always be trimmed straight across rather than curved.
Avoid digging into the corners, and choose salons that follow proper nail-cutting techniques.
If pain, redness, or discharge develops, seek timely treatment at SkinPrayag to prevent complications.

Nail thinning and brittleness are increasingly seen even in younger patients, especially young women who frequently opt for gel nails, acrylic extensions, or silicon gel overlays.
While these cosmetic procedures offer a polished look, the repeated buffing required to prepare the nail surface gradually erodes the natural nail plate.
Over time, nails become weak, thin, easily breakable, and sensitive. Chemicals used in gels and frequent removal with harsh solvents further worsen the damage.
To protect nail health, avoid continuous use of gel or acrylic nails and allow natural nails time to recover between applications.
Gentle grooming, minimal buffing, and nourishing cuticle care can help restore strength.
For persistent thinning, consult SkinPrayag for expert nail care solutions.

Allergic reactions are increasingly seen in patients who regularly use acrylic nails, silicone extensions, or strong nail glues. T
he chemicals in these products can irritate the skin around the nails, leading to redness, itching, swelling of the nail folds, and even discoloration.
Repeated exposure worsens sensitivity and may cause long-term nail damage.
If you notice persistent irritation after nail procedures, avoid these products and seek dermatological guidance at SkinPrayag, Delhi for safe, healthy nail care.

Nail discoloration is increasingly common, especially in people who frequently use nail paints, gel polishes, or extensions.
Prolonged application can stain the nails, making them appear yellow, dull, or unevenly pigmented.
In some cases, fungal infections can also cause similar discoloration, along with thickening or brittleness.
Since cosmetic staining and fungal changes can look alike, an exact diagnosis is essential.
If you notice persistent color changes, consult a dermatologist for proper evaluation and treatment at the earliest.

Cuticles often get damaged due to over-trimming and aggressive pushing during manicures. This weakens the natural barrier that protects the nail from infections, leading to dryness, peeling, and painful cuts.
Repairing damaged cuticles requires regular use of specialized moisturizers containing glycolic acid or urea, which help soften and heal the skin around the nails.
Daily application of nourishing oils and creams also restores moisture.
If there are visible cuts or signs of infection, use an antibiotic ointment as advised by your dermatologist.

Viral warts on the hands, caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), are becoming increasingly common.
The virus easily enters through tiny cuts, abrasions, or broken skin—something that frequently happens during routine hand grooming.
Contaminated tools and poor hygiene in salons can further spread HPV from one person to another.
Since warts can persist and spread if untreated, prevention is crucial.
Always ensure clean, sterilized instruments, avoid unnecessary cutting of the skin, and protect your hands from injury. Early dermatological care helps stop the infection from worsening.

Many patients experience slowed nail growth due to repeated chemical treatments such as gel polishes, acrylic extensions, and harsh removers.
These procedures can gradually weaken and damage the nail plate, making it thin, brittle, and more prone to breakage.
Once the nail plate is compromised, repairing it becomes difficult, and the natural growth cycle may slow down significantly.
To maintain healthy nails, it is best to limit chemical-heavy treatments and allow the nails recovery time. Gentle care and protection are essential for long-term nail health.

SkinPrayag, Delhi offers dedicated Nail consultation by experienced dermatologists for any nail concern.