Fighting Nail Fungus with Backscratchers. A Commentary from Roe Van Epps

Ahhh the memories of summer…. Picnics, bike rides, sunny days, hazy and lots of humidity….bad hair, bad nails….

Bad nails?  What?

Well that seems to get the latest chatter these days.  I have had many calls lately about “greenies” you know… nail mold and fungus.   Yuck.

According to the Mayo clinic:  Nail fungal infections are typically caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes. But yeasts and molds also can be responsible for nail fungal infections.

What are fungi?
Fungi are microscopic organisms that don't need sunlight to survive. Some fungi have beneficial uses, while others cause illness and infection.

All of these microscopic organisms:

v  Live in warm, moist environments, including swimming pools and showers
v  Can invade your skin through tiny visible or invisible cuts or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed
v  Cause problems only if your nails are continually exposed to warmth and moisture — conditions perfect for the growth and spread of fungi

Toenails vs. fingernails
Nail fungus occurs more in toenails than in fingernails.

Toenails often are confined in a dark, warm, moist environment inside your shoes — where fungi can thrive.

Diminished blood circulation to the toes as compared with the fingers makes it harder for your body's immune system to detect and eliminate the infection.

Dealing with fungus as a nail tech can be a real challenge: Dealing with your environment, the client and then (surviving) the treatment.

First, your environment:  Your first responsibility as a nail tech is to avoid any type of germ or disease transfer. 

v  ALWAYS have a clean and sanitized work area and implements. 

v  Each client must have a clean file.  This means using a new file with every client. NOT once a week. NOT every month. EVERY CLIENT.

v  The easiest and most cost effective way to do this is by using Backscratchers SeptiFileReplaceable Abrasives.

v  Sanitize your implements after each service.  Use a high-quality product like Cavicide. Just like with the files – each client must have fresh clean nippers, clippers, pushers etc.   Buy several sets of implements and rotate – while one set is in use the other set is soaking in Backscratchers Salon Aseptic Kit with Cavicide.  Simple but effective.

v  Fresh and clean towels and placements with each client.

Second, the client:   Usually when a fungus develops the client usually blames you – the nail tech.  It’s sad but true.  The best way to deal with this situation is to be educated and prepared.  Ask a few questions:  Is this an isolated incident?  

v  Do any of my other clients have a fungus?

v  Does my client have a previous history of fungus?

v  Does his/her lifestyle fit the criteria explained above?

Hopefully, you have been working with a clean and sanitized environment so this should be the only client with the issue.  

Third – surviving the treatment:

I say it this way because dealing with a fungus is not fun for anyone, you or the client.  If the fungus is very bad always refer the client to a physician.  Remember, we are nail techs – not doctors.  We are good but we cannot write prescriptions; which is what is often required to treat really out of control nail fungi. That said, Backscratchers sells a powerful organic aid in the treatment of nail fungus. Herbal Synergy is created with 3 powerful known healers, Oregano, Tea Tree oil and cinnamon oil. Herbal Synergy was designed to aid in the fight of nail fungus, naturally.

From my experience the best way to treat the average nail fungus is to remove all artificial products.  This is when the word “surviving” comes into play.  The client will not like this idea.  They want the product to remain but the problem to go away.   This usually doesn’t happen.  The best way to treat the fungus is by applying an all natural antifungal agent directly to the naked nail(s).  Using Herbal Synergy will help the healing process while the affected nail grows out.   This can still be a long road as the nail(s) grow, however, lack of artificial product and daily treats will indeed speed up the process. 

for more information on these products visit www.backscratchers.com