Why is it important to use disposable nail files?
A beautician should use disposable (one-use) files for several reasons:
Hygiene: A disposable file is a single-use tool that is discarded after each use. This reduces the risk of transmitting infections or diseases between clients and beauticians.
We are dealing with a double risk. A reusable file is like a museum – it stores all bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Each client who had contact with it leaves his own pathogens and takes the ones that are already there. It is worth getting acquainted with the research that proves that only disposable files are safe and the sterilization process does not remove impurities from their surface. (link do tego artykolu)
Safety: A disposable file is less likely to cause injuries or damage to the skin compared to a reusable file, which can become dull and cause tearing or roughness on the skin.
In addition to abrasion, there is often an injury to the blood, which can be a risk of contracting diseases. We must remember that wearing gloves is also mandatory here.
Professionalism: Using disposable files shows that the beautician/nail stylist takes their job seriously and cares about the health and safety of their clients. It is a standard practice in the beauty industry and is expected of beauticians by clients.
Important:
The client has the right to ask if the files are disposable and what methods are used to sterilize the tools. This is not rude – it is the Institute’s duty to provide all information on cleanliness.
It is also worth paying attention to whether there is a cup on the stylist’s desk with a large number of different files that she uses on various clients. She should take the new file in front of you – preferably from the drawer, and, after the procedure, throw it in the garbage along with the gloves.
Scientific evidence that the file must be disposable and cannot be sterilized:
That article comes from the Inter Group www website. I am not the author or the principal of the research. The article was translated into me (English and French) in order to present scientific research and promote knowledge about hygiene.
Purpose of the research
The aim of the study was to check the number of bacteria and fungi on the used file but also to identify the microorganisms found on them. Two types of files were used in the test:
– First: a file used for a cosmetic treatment, without additional cleaning,
– Second: a file disinfected with a broad-spectrum agent 2-3 days after the treatment and 14 days after the treatment.
File examination
To show the growth of microorganisms, a visualization was also made showing the growth of filamentous fungi after 10 days.
The studies showed that the number of bacteria and fungi was the same for the file disinfected with cleaning agents and for the non-disinfected used file. In this case, the number of microorganisms, even after several days of incubation, was very similar.
Both in the case of the file used for the procedure, but not disinfected, and the disinfected version, pathogens that can often be found on the skin have been confirmed:
– cocci of the genus Staphylococcus – S. borealis and S. hominis,
– Micrococcus luteus,
– Rothia korensis.
For fungi found:
– Penicillium expansum,
– Penicillium brevicompactum.
We asked Ms. Marta Tokarska-Jaszak, head of the Microbiology Laboratory at the Jagiellonian Center of Innovation, a few questions about the research.
1. How did the research go – where shall we start?
The tests carried out at the Jagiellonian Center of Innovation consisted of checking the amount and type of bacteria and fungi on the files, both disinfected and without disinfection. The first stage of the research was microbiological inoculation on appropriate culture media. The next step was to identify the cultured microorganisms. In the JCI laboratory, we use the MALDI-TOF mass spectroscope for this purpose.
2.How long does such research take?
To check the number of bacteria on the files, we had to culture them for 3-4 days. Filamentous fungi are organisms that are much more difficult to grow and identify, which is why their study always takes longer. We need 5 to 8 days for mushrooms to grow. As I mentioned earlier, we also performed the identification of grown microorganisms. Thanks to modern technology, such as the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, the identification of microorganisms takes only several minutes.
3.What can we say about the bacteria identified on the file?
Bacteria naturally inhabiting human skin, such as Staphylococcus cocci, e.g. Staphylococcus haemolyticus or Staphylococcus borealis, were identified on the examined cosmetic files. In addition, a strain of Rothia koreensis was detected during the study, which may be dangerous for people with reduced immunity.
We also identified filamentous fungi grown on the surface of the files. These were mainly fungi of the genus Penicillium (Penicillium expansum and Penicillium brevicompactum). These fungi have the ability to produce dangerous mycotoxins.
4.Why is a file not reusable?
Based on the conducted research, we found the presence of i.a. cocci, as well as bacilli of the genus Bacillus, which have the ability to form spores. Repeated use of the same file (even when used by one person) may increase the risk of transferring microorganisms to the skin.
Conclusions :
Laboratory tests confirm that disinfecting the file with disinfectants does not work, therefore it cannot be used as a way to reuse the file. Due to the construction of the tool and its roughness, it is not possible to clean it 100%. In addition, a file sprayed with this type of agent will swell and begin to stick, which will make it impossible to use it. One method of cleaning a file that may come to mind is sterilization in an autoclave. This is also not a good idea, because high temperature and steam will effectively unglue the file, and additionally make it wrinkled – it will not be possible to use it.
