Due to Hx of infections the CDC regulations prohibit artificial nails and enhancements for healthcare personnel providing direct patient care. Does anyone know if the new products on the market by OPI axium which is a gel applied dried under UV light or the newer product "Shellac" which is also dried under a UV light considered a nail enhancement. These products are applied and coat the nail, staying on the nail for anywere from 2-4weeks
I have not seen any new studies or reports on infections associated with these new nail products. If they are very new, it will take some time to develop a problem, get it reported/published and then have that get added to any guidelines document. This does sound like a nail enhancement as it puts an additional layer on top of the natural nail. The best thing is to not allow this either. The issue with these products is not only the product itself, but also the conditions at the salon where it is done, and the ability of these products to harbor organisms on the edges, etc. and not be able to wash them away. Based on what we know now, I would say any one in clinical practice must have natural nails only. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861