Parlour parlance

How safe is your friendly neighbourhood parlour? Not very, say dermatologists. Read on to know how you could be a sitting duck for viral and bacterial infections

How safe is your friendly neighbourhood parlour? Not very, say dermatologists. Read on to know how you could be a sitting duck for viral and bacterial infections
It is no secret that every woman wants to look her best at all times. And making the most of this fact are the numerous parlours and salons that crop up at any residential colony.
But these beauty spots have a tale of horror to share. With over 20 women visiting a salon in a day, they are also hot spots for skin diseases and bacterial infections.

8220;A person can catch viral infections like viral warts or viral molluscums on their scalp or else where when they go for beauty treatments. For example, waxing spatulas used on another person without being sterilised could spread these viral warts from one person to another as they carry skin debris from one person to another,8221; says Dr Nina Madnani, senior dermatologist, P D Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai. 8220;When one goes for waxing there are tiny abrasions on the skin, these are then susceptible to viral infections. Also dirty towels used in the process can cause more infections.8221;

The other most sought-after procedures at any parlour are facials. Dr Gushant Panesar, consultant at he dermatology department, Moolchand Medicity, Delhi, says, 8220;A facial is a relaxing service that is good for cleansing and moisturising the skin. The massage that follows a facial increases blood circulation; so the skin looks rejuvenated.8221;

Parlours have their own variety of of facials8212;routine, herbal, gold, whitening and diamond. Dr Madnani sheds light on the various types of facials that one should be wary of, she says, 8220;When one talks about herbal facials, most of them use in-house products, which may not be pure. Most of them are cream-heavy. If someone with acne goes for one of these, even if they have not had acne in recent times, they may get an outbreak. As far as gold facials go, there is no way that the metal can be kept in the skin. In fact, it could cause granuloma formulations in the skin. The fine gold particles may lie in the outermost layer for a very short time giving the illusion of glowing skin but it is very temporary.8221;

According to dermatologists, symptoms of irritation and blockages can occur 3-4 weeks after the facial. The massages that are associated with facials also need to be done in moderation.8221; A facial is great for its relaxing effect and is basically about getting your skin cleaned and moisturised. Massages help blood circulation in the skin but vigorous massage can loosen aged skin,8221; says Dr Panesar.

Many dermatologists claim to have clients coming in with bad skin infections after following advice from their local parlour. Dr Madnani says, 8220;For example, if someone is advised to use a retinol A-based cream for her skin type by a dermatologist, she may go ahead and share this information with the person tending to her at a parlour. Then the so-called experts at the parlour end up advising the same cream to other clients. They don8217;t realize it was prescribed keeping that particular client8217;s skin type in mind. They try to be doctors.8221;

So, how does one go about keeping themselves safe from the parlour afflictions? 8220;In our country, you have to pay for hygiene. If you want cleanliness, you will have to go a parlour that is expensive. Because the cost goes up when cleaning agents, sterilisation equipment, disposable garments and good antiseptics are used in a parlour,8221; says Dr Madnani.

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8220;Also always check if the parlour you visit is clean. Check if they have a sterilizer for the instruments and the person handling you is clean. Look at the work surface and see that the wax strips are disposable. And try carrying your own pedicure/manicure set with you to lessen the risk of getting bacterial infections.8221;