Nail fungus is relatively rare on the hands and much more common on toenails. Both fungus and bacteria (“greenies”) can become airborne and both can be transmitted by abrasive files, but only if the file is used on an infected nail plate. More often, fungal infections come from walking barefoot in public places, i.e. health clubs, shoe stores, hotel carpets, etc. Transmission in the salon is possible, but probably rare when compared to these other more likely sources of infection.
Files that come in contact with an infected nail plate should be disposed of immediately after use. In this case, these files cannot be properly sanitized or disinfected. Only abrasives used on healthy nail plates and intact skin can be properly sanitized and disinfected. Thorough washing with hot soapy water alone will remove more than 99% of the contaminates from files. Disinfectants will provide an extra measure of insurance and protection, but washing is the most important step. — Doug Schoon