Can You Get an Infection from Dip Nails?

The dipped powder manicure sounds exactly like its meaning; dipping your finger into pigmented powder. The procedure is UV and LED light safe. It is also referred to as the Signature Nail System (SNS) or dip mani.

Benefits of dip powder manicure

Warts and nail fungus are the most common infection from nail salons (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, 2022) [1].  So how exactly do you get one from simply dipping your fingers repetitively, applying a top coat, bonder, etc?

Here are some ways you can infect your toenails and fingernails:

Nail abrasions such as an open wound from filing, sandpapering, or clipping pose a concern to your health; double dipping increases the risk of transmitting hepatitis C (HBC), herpes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and more.

Blood on the fingers dipped into the pigmented powder and re-used for another client threatens their health.

In extreme cases, bloodborne pathogens can cause the toe to be amputated! As a safe practice, it is recommended that nail technicians Immediately dispose of used dip powder.

Can I get Herpetic Whitlow (Herpes)?

An interview from Dr. Strasswimmer from Florida Atlantic University with CBS12 (2020) states that a simple scratch on your mouth can lead to the transmission of a virus. If you have herpes sore on your mouth, and you scratch, then dip your fingers into the powder, the next person who has a wound could get infected. It’s a rare case, but you never know! [2]

There is a misconception that Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pseudomonas or P. aeruginosa ) is fungi. Pseudomonas is a bacterial infection and can cause Chloronychia (Chiriac, A., Brzezinski, P., Foia, L., & Marincu, 2015).[3]  You can indeed get both a fungal and bacterial infection from a dip manicure.

What is Pseudomonas?

An infection of the nail plate. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacteria found in soil and water. In this case, it can be found at your nail salon, or inside the dipped powder!

What is chloronychia a.k.a greenies?

Green eggs and ham? Chloronychia is an infection of the nails caused by P. aeruginosa. If you notice discolored toenails ranging from green to yellow to brown this may be a sign of greenies. Click here for more information and proper treatment of green nail syndrome. [4]

There’s a chance you can leave your hair salon with more than just your hair and a pedicure done. Fungi thrive in moist and slightly acidic environments. [5] So your nail salon is a hotspot for them.

Fungal

Types:

Dermatophyte ( most common)
Yeast
Molds

Symptoms & Signs

Bacterial (Health Link BC, 2022). [6]

Fungal infection (Health Link BC, 2022)  [6]:

It’s unsanitary for multiple clients to be dipping their fingers into the same powder because you can’t see microorganisms under the naked eye. Hygienic practices by a nail tech and those at home are critical to maintaining healthy nails if you’d like to try dip powder nails.

Tips to maintain healthy nails

Beautiful manicures are shameless until you get a nail infection. Always ensure to call the nail technician’s store first. If you experience cuts at an appointment, skip any further processes.

Refuse dipping your hands into any non-original container. This can save you from the greenies! If your technician uses the same dip powder and doesn’t sterilize your instrument after a wound, these are signs that your beauty salon might be unhygienic.

Remember, seek medication attention from your doctor first if you suspect an infection or notice anything off about your nails, nail folds, or cuticles. Because, if these infections are not treated promptly and properly they can get worse and spread.

Join the Folliculitis Scout Community

Above all know that you aren’t alone in your fungal acne problems. There’s a whole community of people with this issue that are ready to share their tips and tricks for treating the problem. We love our community at Folliculitis Scout! Socialize with us as well on Facebook. It’s so easy to Join and become part of a community that truly supports each other through the journey to better skin.