(Thanks, in part, to California Bureau of Barbering &
Cosmetology.)
What happened?
-
California health officials received complaints about a
large outbreak of skin boils which were traced back to a single nail salon
in which footbaths had not been properly cleaned. There are, however, varied
causes for this condition such as gardening, hot tubs, and surgery, to name a
few. At this time, no case of the skin boils has been definitely traced back
to an Arizona salon.
What do these skin infections look like?
-
These skin boils usually start out looking like a spider
bite that gradually grows in size and eventually produces pus. Boils
sometimes become open wounds and may leave scars.
What causes these infections?
-
These infections are caused by mycobacterium fortuitum and
other related mycobacteria. We come into contact with this type of bacteria
everyday as it is found normally in water and soil.
How common are these types of skin infections?
-
Such infections are relatively rare. If salon whirlpool
footbaths are cleaned and disinfected properly and in accordance with
Arizona State Board of Cosmetology instructions which follow this page, the
risk of these infections occurring in a salon setting is very small.
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