Hygiene Knowledge Essential for Nail Procedures

In Japan, nail diseases had become an epidemic and a social problem among gel and acrylic nail enthusiasts. In September 2010, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare announced the 'Guidelines for Hygiene Control at Nail Salons' and notified each local government.

Incorrect application techniques for gel and acrylic nails can lead to nail diseases.

Today, I'll introduce you to the disinfection methods in nail techniques referred to by the Japanese Nail Association.

Disinfection methods in nail technique include physical and chemical methods.

Quote : Voluntary Standards for Hygiene Management in Nail Salons | the Japanese Nail Association

Physical Methods

Disinfection through Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

Expose the equipment to continuous UV radiation from UV lamps inside a UV disinfection device, with an intensity of 85μw/cm2 or more for at least 20 minutes.

Note:

• Ensure thorough cleaning of the equipment before exposing it to direct UV radiation.
• Instruments with complex structures, less exposed to direct UV radiation, may not be suitable for disinfection.
• Regularly clean UV lamps and reflectors.
• UV lamps may experience reduced output after 2,000 to 3,000 hours of use, requiring replacement.

Disinfection with a Boiling Disinfector

Boil the instruments for at least 2 minutes after reaching a boiling state, with the tools already placed in the disinfection apparatus.

Note:

• Be aware that some synthetic resins may deform with heat.
• Items suitable for boiling disinfection include ceramics, metal tools, and fiber products. Maintain an appropriate water level.

Steaming Disinfection using a Steamer or Similar Devices

Let the internal temperature exceed 80°C for at least 10 minutes, exposing it to moist heat. (Verify the temperature at the top of the device using a thermometer.)

Note:

• Be cautious as some synthetic resins may deform with heat.
• Suitable items for steam disinfection include glass, ceramics, metal tools, and fiber products.
• When disinfecting stacked fabric pieces like towels inside the device, be mindful that the topmost piece may not fully come into contact with moist heat.
• Maintain an appropriate water level at the bottom of the device.

Chemical Methods

Disinfection with Ethanol

Soak the instrument surface in a 76.9–81.4% volume ethanol-water solution (disinfectant ethanol) for at least 10 minutes, or wipe the instrument surface with cotton or gauze soaked in ethanol solution.

Note:

• It's preferable to use disinfectant ethanol without dilution. However, if using anhydrous ethanol or ethanol, dilute it to an equivalent concentration as disinfectant ethanol.
• Always prepare a fresh disinfectant solution.

Disinfection with Sodium Hypochlorite

Soak in a 0.01–0.1% sodium hypochlorite solution for at least 10 minutes.

Note:

• Exercise caution when using metal instruments and animal fiber products as they may corrode. Handle with care and avoid prolonged immersion.
• Always prepare a fresh disinfectant solution.
• When handling disinfectant solutions, wear rubber gloves or take precautions to avoid direct contact with the skin.

Disinfection with Anionic Detergent

Soak in a 0.1–0.2% anionic detergent solution (benzalkonium chloride or benzethonium chloride) for at least 10 minutes.

Note:

• When disinfecting items that have been cleaned with soap or detergent, make sure to rinse them thoroughly before use.
• Always prepare a fresh disinfectant solution.

Disinfection with Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Soak in a 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate solution for at least 10 minutes.

Note: Prepare a fresh disinfectant solution each time.

Disinfection with Ampholytic Surfactant

Soak in a 1% ampholytic surfactant formulation (0.1% or 0.15% as hydrochloric alkyl polyaminopropylglycine) water solution for at least 10 minutes.

Note: Always prepare a fresh disinfectant solution.

Disinfection of Nail Tools

For tools that come into contact with the skin, disinfect them according to the methods outlined in Section 7, either (1) Physical Methods or (2) Chemical Methods, depending on the type of tools.

1. Clean the tools thoroughly before disinfection.
2. Brushes may deform with heat depending on the material, so it's preferable to use chemical disinfection methods. For materials not suitable for washing, use UV disinfection.
3. Metal tools like nail clippers and cuticle nippers can undergo any disinfection method. When using UV radiation, ensure thorough cleaning and wiping before disinfection.
4. For other tools that come into contact with the skin directly or indirectly, disinfect them appropriately using either physical or chemical methods based on their material. Before disinfection, use a sponge with household detergent to rub the tool's surface and wash it thoroughly with plenty of running water. (Clean the tools with running water immediately after use, taking care to avoid splashing.)
5. To prevent infectious diseases, disinfection of tools that directly contact the skin should be performed using disinfection methods exceeding the standard level as follows. Use pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, or equivalent substances as disinfectants.

• Disinfection with Boiling
• Disinfection with Ethanol
• Disinfection with Sodium Hypochlorite

6. After disinfection, thoroughly wash with running water and wipe well. Note: Sponges or similar items used for cleaning should be washed thoroughly with running water after use. In case of heavy soiling, disinfect with ethanol or sodium hypochlorite.

Disinfection of Towels and Fabric Pieces

Heat-Based Disinfection

1. After using, wash the towels and fabric pieces with detergent: Place them in a steamer or similar steam disinfection device, ensuring that the internal temperature exceeds 80°C for at least 10 minutes. Note: Be cautious to ensure that steam permeates evenly, as the central temperature of the towels at the top of the device may not exceed 80°C.
2. Disinfection with Disinfectant Solution: Immerse used towels and fabric pieces in a sodium hypochlorite solution for disinfection. After disinfection, wash and, if necessary, store them in a hot cabinet or dry as needed.
3. Blood-Contaminated Towels and Fabric Pieces: Treat towels and fabric pieces contaminated with blood similarly to the cleaning and disinfection methods used for tools to prevent infectious diseases.

Hand Disinfection

1. Pre-disinfection Cleaning: Wash hands thoroughly using soap, brushes, etc., before disinfection.Wipe hands with a clean towel or disposable paper towel.
2. Pre-treatment Hand Disinfection: Before performing procedures, disinfect hands using a rubbing technique with disinfectant solution like disinfectant ethanol soaked in cotton or gauze.
3. Mid-treatment Hand Disinfection: If hand disinfection is needed during the procedure, a quick-drying rubbing hand disinfectant may be used.

Other Disinfection

1. Indirect Skin Contact Instruments: Disinfect instruments that indirectly contact the skin based on their material, using any of the disinfection methods mentioned above.
2. Facility Equipment: Ensure sanitary maintenance, including disinfection, of facility equipment such as waste bins within the facility.