Manicures and pedicures are big business, with the global nail care market estimated to be worth US$23.5 billion.

But sometimes clients visiting nail salons come away with more than beautiful nails. Several women from Perth recently told the ABC they contracted severe infections after visiting nail salons for manicures and pedicures.

Western Australia Consumer Protection says it has received eight complaints about nail salons so far this year.

This has left some people wondering whether it’s still worth getting their nails done at a salon. So what are the health risks of getting a manicure or pedicure, and what should you look out for?

How can germs spread in nail salons?

Nail technicians have physical contact with multiple people over a short period in the same space. If someone has a bacterial, viral or fungal infection of their hands or feet, it can transfer to surfaces and picked up by the next person.

This is more likely if surfaces and equipment are not cleaned or sterilised between clients.

The skin on our hands and feet is different to the skin on other body areas. It’s thicker and more sweaty, which bacteria, viruses and fungi love.

Skin on the feet can produce a quarter of a cup of sweat per day, and feet are often kept in dark, warm, damp shoes. This makes pedicures more of an infection risk.

Manicures and pedicures can challenge our natural defences. Any breach of our........

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