*This article was repurposed with permission from Prevention Disinfectants.

As a spa or salon professional, your clients expect more than just beauty—they expect safety, hygiene, and peace of mind. Fungal infections like Athlete’s Foot and Nail Fungus are more common than you think, especially in environments where tools and footbaths are reused without proper sanitation. This blog covers how to stop these issues before they start, using proven infection prevention strategies for salons and spas.

What You Need to Know About Fungal Infections in Spas and Salons

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Athlete’s Foot is caused by a contagious fungus that thrives in moist, warm environments like footbaths, shower floors, or damp towels. Clients may unknowingly bring it in on their feet, spreading the infection through shared tools, slippers, or pedicure tubs. Without proper disinfection, this fungus sticks around and multiplies. Common signs include itching, peeling skin, or cracking between the toes.

Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis)

Nail fungus from tools happens when bacteria or fungi enter the nail bed through tiny injuries that compromise the skin or tissue. It’s especially common when nail tools aren’t properly disinfected or when disposable files and buffers are reused. It often starts small but it’s tough to treat and easy to spread. Symptoms include yellow, brittle, thickened, or distorted nails.

How These Fungal Infections Spread in Beauty Environments

Without high-level hygiene, these infections can take root and spread rapidly. Here’s where they often originate:

Athlete’s Foot:

• Reused footbaths without proper disinfection between client appointments

• Contaminated towels, slippers, and floors

• Poor hand hygiene between treatments

Nail Fungus:

• Shared nail clippers, files, or pushers

• Inadequate surface disinfection between clients

• Reused single-use tools or improper storage

Preventing Fungal Infections in Spas and Salons: Best Practices

1. Use Hospital-Grade Disinfectants Between Every Client

Disinfection is a must. Use a powerful disinfectant made for salons and spas like Prevention Disinfectants®, which kills fungi, viruses, and bacteria in just 60 seconds! It’s EPA-registered, fast, and safe to use often. Al-ways disinfect every pedicure station, and workstation between clients. And don’t forget: let the disinfectant sit for the full contact time so it can do its job. Skipping this step could leave germs behind, spread infections, and damage your reputation.

2. Go Single-Use Whenever Possible

• Offer disposable nail files, buffers, and foot scrubbers

• Use pedicure liners and don’t forget to disinfect your station after use

• Use disinfected sandals.

• Never reuse toe separators or porous items

  3. Educate Your Staff and Clients

• Train your team on the signs of fungal infections and safe disinfection protocols

• Ask clients about visible symptoms (like itchy feet or discolored nails) before service

• Post a visible spa infection control policy to inspire trust and promote transparency

  4. Monitor and Audit Cleaning Routines

• Build in routine cleaning and disinfection audits

• Assign accountability for footbath and tool cleaning

• Keep disinfection logs visible and updated for staff and clients

Bonus tip: Have a checklist for end-of-day disinfection protocols to keep consistency across shifts.

A Cleaner Spa is a Safer Spa

Fungal infections from pedicures can damage client’s nails and confidence but with the right cleaning and disinfection products and protocols, they’re 100% preventable. Your clients trust you to deliver a safe, relaxing experience. By investing in high-quality disinfectants like Prevention Disinfectants® and following cleaning and disinfection spa practices, you’re protecting every client and technician who walks through your doors.