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Hi everyone,
We recently received a query regarding the sharing of nail polish among residents in our aged care facilities. While each resident is provided with individual nail clippers and files, we have recently become aware that nail polish is being shared among residents in our facilities.
I understand that there may be a potential risk of transmission of infection if nail polish is shared among residents. However, I would appreciate your input on this and would be interested to hear how nail polish is used for residents in your facilities.
We are yet to find any guidelines or policies that specifically address this in the context of residential aged care.Kind regards,
Jithin Janardhanan
Infection Prevention and Control Nurse & IPC Lead (Aged Care)
Western District Health Service
VictoriaHi Jithin,
Great question.
This topic would come under beauty guidelines rather than specific to aged care practices. Irrespective of the setting the guidelines could be used. In Victoria, the
Infection prevention and control guidelines for hair, beauty, tattooing and skin penetration industries can be used: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/notices-about-scope-of-registration-and-client-information-sheets.On pg 60, it states that application brushes: Reusable if product is not capable of harbouring or supporting growth or microorganisms (for example, nail polish, light cured gels, nail primers). Hence, nail polish is not considered a transmission risk and can be shared use.
There are IPC beauty practices that should be considered during application:
Standard precautions
Do not share polish with clients showing signs of nail infections.
Discard contaminated or deteriorated products.
Single person use if known nail, cutical infection – Monitor and label polish bottles.
Include nail polish practices in beauty hygiene policies.Hope this helps.
Regards Carrie
