Manicure and Pedicure Services
What is a manicure and a pedicure?
Manicures are cosmetic treatments meant to improve the appearance of fingernails and hands. They may include filing, cuticle care/trimming, shaping, hand massage, applying polish or paraffin wax treatments.
Pedicures are cosmetic treatments meant to improve the appearance of toe nails and feet. Pedicures include cutting of the toe nails and the removal of dead skin and calluses from the feet using a foot file or pumice stones. Some businesses offer leg care below the knee, which may include granular exfoliation, applying moisturizing creams and a leg massage.
What are my health risks?
Instruments and equipment used for manicures and pedicures can become contaminated with blood or body fluids that carry disease- causing micro-organisms such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV or other infectious agents, such as bacteria or fungi. Fungal and bacterial infections can appear as discolorations in the nail that spread toward the cuticle and cause pain, redness, itching and pus around the nail area. Foot baths have been linked to outbreaks of skin infections, caused by mycobacteria.
Know before you go
Learn more about what to look for in a specific service before and during your appointment by reviewing the following factsheet: