BENGALURU: Did you ever imagine that getting your legs waxed or even those simple manicures and pedicures can make you more vulnerable to hepatitis? Doctors in the city say that beauty treatments may put you at a greater risk of contracting the disease. Observing Hepatitis Day on July 28, City Express brings to you some beauty regimes that should be avoided or done with caution.
“Any process that allows or exposes people to blood contact, increases the risk of hhepatitis transmission,” says Dr Hemamala V S, consultant hepatologist at Fortis Hospital. “Hepatitis B is very powerful, and even 0.03ml of blood is sufficient to spread the virus as compared to HIV, which needs 0.3 ml of blood,” adds Dr Ravindra BS, who heads the gastroenterology department at BGS Glenegales Global Hospital and Meenakshi Institute of Gastroenterology.
Manicures and Pedicures
A day at the salon to trim and file your nails could be the first possible risk factor in getting hepatitis. Chances of slight bleeding while trimming cuticles is likely. So if the customer before you has infected the tools with blood, then your chances of contracting hepatitis are higher. “Manicures and pedicures may cause micro traumas to the skin during nail filing or cuticle cutting, which can eventually result in infection. Ignoring these minute injuries may result in the virus developing into deadly cirrhosis or even liver cancer,” says Dr Sandeep MS, consultant gastroenterologist at Apollo Hospital.
Fish Pedicure Foot Spa
Fish pedicures and spa treatments, where dozens of tiny fish nibble the dead skin off the feet, can spread hepatitis C. Fish tank water contains micro-organisms, so problems could arise from bacteria being transmitted by the Doctor fish, aka Garra-rufa. This could happen because of the spa water itself or from one customer to another if the water has not been changed. “If a user is infected with a blood-borne virus like HIV or hepatitis, and he/she starts bleeding in the water, there is a risk of the diseases being passed on,” adds Dr Sandeep. “I suggest that people with diabetes and psoriasis avoid getting these treatments,” he emphasises.
Shaving
Salons can lead to the transmission of many diseases, especially if you’re getting a shave. “Shaving blades, if re-used for patients with hepatitis B, can result in virus transmission, particularly if there is a cut and blood contamination,” says Dr Ravindra.
Waxing
This painful procedure can become threatening if the wax is reused. “This will lead to the infection spreading, as reheating wax is incapable of killing harmful organisms,” says Dr Hemamala. Dipping the spatula back into the wax pot after it’s been used, poses a high risk. “The tainted wax acts as a vehicle, spreading the disease to unsuspecting customers,” says Dr Sandeep.
Electrolysis
Besides waxing, using needles for hair removal can also spread Hepatitis. The procedure, called electrolysis, involves a sharp needle, and reusing it can spread the disease.
Tattooing
It is a known fact that using needles that aren’t sterile or those that have been reused can spread the virus, but what is not known is that the ink used for tattooing can also transmit hepatitis C. “Most tattoo artists take out a fresh needle in front of you. But if your predecessor is a carrier of Hepatitis C and the ink in which the needle that was used on him has not been changed, the solution is infected already. The next needle used may be clean and fresh out of a box, but the solution in which it is dipped might not be,” says Dr Ravindra.
Cosmetic Dermal Fillers
Looking young is something everyone wants. But injecting substances into wrinkles or folds can turn deadly. Cosmetic dermal fillers, such as Botox, are believed to restore volume and fullness to our skin. However, these cosmetic procedures involve administration of biological product, which may not be disinfected properly. According to Dr Vinit Shah, a national board gold medalist and a consultant of hepatology and liver transplant at BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Botolinium Toxin injections, Colloid Fillers, Liposuction and cosmetic plastic surgery procedures that use bio prosthetic grafts for skin/ tendons and muscles, may heighten the risk of contracting Hepatitis.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The condition can be self-limiting or can progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. The most common Hepatitis types globally are hepatitis B and hepatitis C. “Toxic substances, non-alcoholic fatty liver, obesity and autoimmune diseases can also cause Hepatitis,” says Dr Nikhil Bondade, consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist of Narayana Health City