Hepatitis Forums
Hepatitis C Main Forums => Living with Hepatitis C => Topic started by: sapphire101 on March 23, 2015, 11:52:56 pm
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Any special warnings or advice around pedicures?
Did the estheticians change to universal precautions at the same time the tattoo shops did in the early nineties?
I am especially wondering about re-use and cleaning of clippers, files, etc and if they have any regulatory agencies monitoring their practice.
So many deep thoughts now that I am taking care of myself!
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In general, as long as there is no blood in the process, pedicures are likely safe. However, mistakes happen, and if the technician follows regulations, all should be fine. However, the best way around this is to bring your own tools.
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Thank you Lucinda I would not have thought of that. Hopefully someone who is experienced in manicures or has family/friends with a nail salon will join in and advise me as to what type of tools are needed or if there are any other options and what universal precautions consists of in their training.
What organization regulates tattoo shops? I doubt anyone brings their own tools for inking- maybe they have disposable now.
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Nail salons are usually regulated by the state and monitored by the county health department for compliance. You could call the health department and they should be able to provide you with information regarding monitoring and what universal precautions are required.
Best wishes, Mike
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Thank you Mike I did some research and found this state by state guide to regulations:
http://files.nailsmag.com/Handouts/NAILSDisinfectionChart.pdf
Look for the state license on the salon wall and they are mandated to follow the state rules on the link to keep their license.
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I live in NYC, which has pretty strict rules governing nail salons. However, some either do not understand or do not follow all of them correctly. Most do have sets of implements for sale which include everything necessary for a pedicure. You can either take it home with you, or they will store it to be used only on you when you come in. Perhaps your salon will also have these for sale.
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No luck so far with finding pedicure tools for sale at the nail salons. Maybe this will have to become a DIY project for me.
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I guess you could just look at what they use and buy your own of the same things. Bring it with you. I think another problem is the foot baths. Wonder how often they clean those!
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Amazon has several pedicure kits you can buy online. Have a wonderful day!
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What organization regulates tattoo shops? I doubt anyone brings their own tools for inking- maybe they have disposable now.
Some states do regulate, and some places dont. I would guess the Dept of Health for those that do.
My tattoed friends report buying their own inks and needles in an attempt at safety. You could even buy your own machine.
Here are a couple links for amyone who is interested -
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/07/AR2011020704931.html (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/07/AR2011020704931.html)
I guess their plan isnt foolproof however. Here's a current one from Texas regarding a voluntary recall of items found to be contaminated without anyone even using them in their shop yet.
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/dmd/tattoo.shtm (http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/dmd/tattoo.shtm)
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My manicurist bought me items from her wholesaler, and I bring them every time.
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Lucinda what online whole sales can you recommend?
I would like to have my own gear, but my usual communication style with my favorite manicurist involves a lot of smiling and hand signals. This special request would be difficult to get clarity around.
If I show up with the right equipment it would be much easier for both of us.
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I don't know any - I just asked my manicurist to buy mine.