This detail in the pedicure basins that doctors find in a third of salons

In 2026, beauty salon treatments are still very popular. However, pedicures and manicures are not always without health risks. Hospitalized clients, damaged nails and bacteria found in ponds are now alerting doctors.

Why nail care promotes infection

Feet are an ideal environment for micro-organisms. Heat, humidity and perspiration provide the perfect conditions for the development of bacteria and fungi. During a pedicure, the skin and nails are often weakened by various gestures.

Cut cuticles, sanded skin, aggressive varnishes or prolonged hot baths create tiny lesions. And these micro-injuries become entry points for germs. The risk increases if instruments are not properly sterilized between clients.

Files, nail clippers, tweezers or pedicure basins can transmit infections from one person to another. What’s more, electric sanders project particles of skin andnails, sometimes laden with bacteria, into the air.

“A poorly maintained salon can become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi and, more rarely, viruses.”

Alerts from Australia

In Australia, several women have recently reported developing serious infections after visiting a beauty salon. Local authorities have already received several complaints this year concerning nail salons. These reports raise public health issues.

While these complications are rare, specialists stress the importance of hygiene. A careless salon can transmit bacteria and fungi to its customers.

• Check the general cleanliness of the salon before setting up
• Observe whether technicians wash their hands and wear clean gloves
• Ask how instruments are disinfected
• Prefer single-use tools
• Postpone appointment in case of sore or irritated feet

Dangerous bacteria in salons

Several international studies have highlighted the frequent presence of bacteria in beauty salons. In particular, a Polish study found Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria in almost a third of the pedicure basins analyzed. Usually found on our skin, this bacterium can cause severe infections if it enters the body.

Other research has identified potentially pathogenic bacteria on the hands of beauticians. These include Escherichia coli, salmonella and listeria. These germs represent a real danger to customers.

In more serious cases, skin infections around the nail can cause severe pain. Pus may appear, and the nail may even be lost. Some people have even had to be hospitalized for septicemia, a severe inflammatory reaction linked to a generalized infection.

Mycoses, a frequent complication

Nail fungus is one of the most common complications following a pedicure. They often manifest themselves as yellowed, thickened or brittle nails. Antifungal treatment can take several months.

These fungal infections are easily transmitted in humid environments. Consequently, poorly disinfected pools represent a major risk for regular customers.

How to limit risks during a pedicure

The good news is that most infections can be avoided by following strict hygiene rules. Before settling in, take a look at the general state of the salon. Are surfaces cleaned between clients?

Ask how instruments are disinfected. Single-use tools remain the safest solution. For reusable equipment, specialists consider steam sterilization to be more effective than UV or chemical devices.

It’s best to avoid a session if you already have a sore, irritation or fungus on your feet. People with diabetes or circulation problems should be particularly vigilant. Their risk of complications is higher.

Finally, the experts remind us that a very low price can sometimes reflect savings made on hygiene protocols. Disposable equipment and rigorous disinfection have a cost that serious salons assume.

• pedicure