Hepatitis risk in nail salons
8 November 2011
There may be a risk of hepatitis transmission in nail salons and hairdressing and barber shops in the US that has not been recognised, the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology has been told (Washington DC, USA; 28 Oct - 2 Nov 2011).
Research showed a case of acute hepatitis C that was "clearly related to a manicure/pedicure treatment", and a review of medical journals found 11 of 18 studies demonstrated an association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) and nail salons or hairdressing and barber shops.
"The absence of infection control guidelines from federal health agencies for the prevention of hepatitis infections in nail salons and barbershops implies [they] have not emerged as significant risk factors for HBV and HCV infections in the US," said gastroenterologist Dr David Johnson in a media statement.
"The true magnitude of this risk has yet to be defined and clearly needs further study."
Last Reviewed: 11 November 2011
- 1. American College of Gastroenterology. Hepatitis transmission risk needs to be studied in nail salons, barbershops. New analysis questions adequacy of disinfection regulations [news]. Bethesda, Md, USA: American College of Gastroenterology; 2011 Oct 31. http://d2j7fjepcxuj0a.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/2011acg_nail_salon_hepc_FINAL-Oct-26.pdf (accessed Nov 2011).
