Anti-fungal UV gel. Does it work?

Question:

I was using an anti-fungal UV gel and my client got an infection. Why didn’t it work?

Answer:

In my view, there is no such thing as an anti-fungal UV gel, and no cosmetic company should be making such claims. Cosmetics are for beautification of the body or for improving physical appearance. No cosmetic product can claim to prevent infections. That is NOT an allowed cosmetic claim and this is true for most, if not all countries. This is certainly true in the US, the European Union, Canada, and Australia, to name a few. Products designed to prevent infections are medical drugs or medication and NOT cosmetics. This is true for lotions, creams, sprays, gels whatever form they come in.

When a cosmetic product claims that it treats, cures, controls, or prevents any type of infection, it ceases to be a cosmetic and is now a medical drug or medicine. Therefore, it can NO longer be sold as a cosmetic product.  It is not likely that any cosmetic nail coating, including UV gel, can prevent any type of nail infection. Some may contain anti-fungal or anti-bacterial ingredients, but that only prevents the growth of these types of microorganisms inside the product container. In other words, they are preservatives and are incapable of preventing nail infections.

If you want to prevent nail infections in the salon, here’s the best way:
Make sure your client’s hands and fingernails are clean.  It is important to clean and disinfect everything that comes in contact with a client’s skin. Finally, never perform services on clients with active infections of the skin or nails. Only a medical professional can properly determine if a visible infection is active or not. If clients show symptoms of having a visible infection, it is best to refuse services until the symptoms disappear or a medical professional determines their condition is not contagious.