I could lose my thumb after a nail technician made a terrible mistake
A WOMAN has revealed that she could lose her thumb after a nail technician made a mistake.
Sue, 48, from Perth, Australia, had treated herself to a manicure at a local beauty salon.
When sitting down for the treatment, Sue said the technician mistook her natural nails for false acrylic nails.
The technician started to file Sue's nails down with a tool before soaking them in acetone to remove what the tech believed were extensions.
Speaking to Sue said: "I did tell them they were my actual nails, but they kept grinding them still."
After the treatment, Sue contracted a bacteria called staph, which lives harmlessly on the skin, often in the nose, armpits and on the buttocks, according to the .
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But, it can cause an infection if it gets into the body via a bite or cut, and can be spread via close skin contact, sharing things like towels or toothbrushes and coming into contact with droplets in coughs and sneezes, which the NHS states is less common.
After being infected, Sue said she spent five days in hospital after finding out that part of her thumb bone would have to be removed.
She said: "It really throbs and you can't get away from it.
"You wouldn't go into a dirty dentist, so why would you go into a dirty nail bar?"
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Doctors told Sue that the worst case scenario is that she loses her thumb, and she is now seeking compensation as she claims hygiene rules were not followed.
Serious signs
The NHS says that the bacteria can also cause more serious infections like blood poisoning and toxic shock syndrome.
The symptoms you need to know include:
- a painful red lump or bump on the skin
- hot, red and swollen skin
- sores, crusts or blisters
- sore, red eyelids or eyes
In Australia, nail salon customers are covered by consumer law, but when it comes to hygiene there are no laws, only guidelines.
In nail salons, all tools need to be cleaned comprehensively between clients.
Those opening salons in the UK need to follow guidance from the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
This is primary legislation that regards health and safety for businesses in England and Wales.
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If you think you have an infection you should see your GP, especially if you think it's getting worse and it lasts more than a week.
In the event of an emergency, always call 999 or visit your nearest A&E.
