Sharing nail clippers may cause germ transmission, say dermatologists

Team L&M

As the threat of Covid declines, health problems associated with Covid are on the rise. According to doctors, skin rashes and other ailments have become more common in the past few months. Exacerbation of psoriasis has been reported, and people have developed psoriasis-like disorders following Covid infection or even the Covid vaccine in some cases. It has also been observed that autoimmune illness such as vitiligo or psoriasis may worsen following a Covid infection. Pityriasis rosea, a type of skin allergy, is also quite common after infection with coronavirus. A viral infection of the skin known as Herpes Zoster has also been documented in people infected with Covid. Skin infections have increased drastically mainly related to nail & hand hygiene, PPE and cutaneous manifestations of Covid-19. In addition, women are more likely to experience post-Covid skin problems, which are especially common among senior persons and pregnant women.

Further, as a result of the use of goggles, gloves, masks, and face shields, skin injuries have also been documented. Hand eczema or dermatitis as a result of excessive use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, gloves, or other protective measures has grown increasingly common in recent months. Some persons have also reported Covid digits, which are painful chilblain-like spots on their fingers and toes.

To avoid such skin problems, dermatologists advise patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle and proper hygiene. Nail cleanliness is critical for preventing infections. It all starts with not sharing nail clippers and properly disinfecting them before and after usage.

“Nails are often a breeding ground for hazardous microorganisms. These bacteria enter our bodies through our hands since most of the people in India eat with their bare hands. As a result, nail care is critical, and hand hygiene is inadequate without it. Apart from washing hands thoroughly, it is important to clean and trim the fingernails as it can harbour dirt, bacteria and transfer infections, including fungal infection. A majority of people are fine with sharing nail clippers. However, this is a rather unsanitary practice. Germs, bacteria, and viruses abound in nails, and sharing nail clippers is the same as exchanging those microbes. Always sterilize your own nail clipper before and after use. Avoid sharing the use of nail clippers as it can easily spread any Infection if not cleaned, sterilized properly,” says Dr Sonali Chaudhary, Integrative and Cosmetic Dermatologist, Delhi. She also recommends that, in addition to not sharing nail clippers, they be washed in lukewarm water and wiped with a soft cloth.