From Lice to Herpes, 6 Nasty Infections You Can Get From a Salon

Ever wanted to try a new hair colour or experiment with a new beard style but got turned off by the grubby salon in the town? Many places fail to comply with professional hygiene standards and safety protocols leaving you with an eye-watering infection. Hygiene is crucial to ensure that you do not walk away home with a gross new infection. Here are the potential risks you put yourself to while getting groomed.

1. Lice

Don't be surprised if you notice lice crippling on your head after a haircut. It is easy to acquire lice from a comb or other shared contact with someone who has lice. While you may not spot lice as soon as you go home after your hair styling session, the most common symptom is significant itching in the affected area. If you think you saw lice in your head, head to the drugstore and look for an over-the-counter lice treatment that contains pyrethrin or permethrin, both of which act as insecticides. They're safe if you don't overuse them. From hair fall to dandruff, here's how to say goodbye to hair problems.

2. Herpes

You must be despising your waxing sessions anyway, but now you will dislike them even more. Waxing can transmit herpes or other bacterial infections. Herpes that manifest as painful water-filled blisters, can spread while sharing instruments, towels, razors, etc. Herpes can be avoided to a large extent if proper hygiene standards are maintained. Make sure that the expert is not double dipping any applicator sticks while the waxing process or using roll-on wax that has been used on someone else.

3. Warts

Warts are one of the most common infections acquired from the salon. They can be noticed on any part of the body but they mainly occur on the face, fingers and the treated area. Though topical lotions can be used to treat this condition, sometimes more advanced treatments like cauterisation or cryotherapy with a dermatologist is needed.

4. Folliculitis

The salon might expose you to another nasty bacterial infection called folliculitis. It is the inflammation of the hair follicle characterised by tiny, white pustules. It's usually caused by staph bacteria, which can be transmitted through improperly sanitised combs, scissors, or razors.

5. Tinea Capitis

You can also get fungal infections from the salon. Tinea capitis which is a fungal infection of the scalp can take the shape of ringworm or appear like a red, flaky itchy patch. The infection can spread via poorly sanitised combs or towels, and in severe cases, it can lead to permanent scarring and hair loss. Tinea capitis often needs to be treated with an oral anti-fungal medication.

6. Barber's Itch

It's a good sign if the stylist drops the comb or a razor in a sanitising solution. But if they don't, you can get barber's itch. It is a type of folliculitis on the beard after you are infected from an unsterilised instrument. They appear as itchy, red bumps and can be treated effectively with a topical antibiotic. Beware! Your shaving razor could make you very sick; can cause you HPV and other bacterial infections. 

To minimize your risk of developing any infection, make sure to cancel your appointment if you have any open or raw skin. Also, step out of the salon if it appears dirty. Unclean areas, rusty instruments, and stained towels are all red flags.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2019 05:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).