Salons and spas are known for their promises of beautification and relaxation. However, many facilities fail to meet the standards of cleanliness and care required by state licensing agencies. Additionally many fail to practice safe procedures when performing such procedures.
Cosmetologists are required to perform a certain number hours of training before they are qualified to practice in their respective profession. The length of time can range between 5-20 hours of training before they meet the requirements. However, many times establishment performing waxing, manicures, pedicures or other hygiene related services are not properly trained or fail to have the appropriate licenses. Establishments who employ individuals lacking such credentials will be held liable for negligent employment. Additionally, certain cases allow for liability to attach when the landlord knowingly provides space for operators known to commit such violations. When a landlord leases or rents space to such establishment they can be held vicariously liable, if you have been injured as a result of such acts we suggest you contact our offices where we can evaluate your case and determine whether liability can attach.
There is a substantial list of injuries one can suffer as a result of negligence on behalf of salon and spa employees, such as: burns, fungal infections, allergic reactions, cuts and lacerations, permanent loss of skin or hair, blindness, and even sexually transmitted diseases. As far as STDs, there have been some cases reported where salon patrons have been infected with herpes after waxing procedures where the salon or spa failed to use sterilized, cleanly, or new application tools.
According to researchers at Johns Hopkins and a private health clinic in France, it appears that there may be an unusual connection between waxing and the transmission an STI called molloscum contagiosum, as well as herpes. Both can be transmitted just by simple skin contact to the bacteria and infectious disease. While molloscum can be treated and cured, herpes cannot, leaving those affected and injured by the uncleanly spa forever scarred.
Symptoms of molloscum contagiosum include raised pearl-liked bumps on the skin and are the result of a viral infection. While the bumps may itch, they are not as painful as herpes sores. Herpes symptoms include fluid-filled blisters, which can turn into painful open sores, fatigue, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Cases of herpes infections resulting from spa treatment have been reported out of Illinois as of recently. In those cases, the spa workers used a plastic rolling tool to put on hot wax instead of using the disposable wooden applicators. The spa/salon-goers then became infected with the herpes virus and were left suffering the burning sores and blisters.
Given the high cost of spa treatment, it is absolutely unacceptable that things like this are happening to people. Things like wooden applicators are simple and easy to dispose of and never re-use again. Plastic applicators are easy to clean. However, herpes infections never go away and can be costly to get treatment for given the life-lasting infection. If something like this has happened to you or someone you know, immediately seek out medical attention, as well as an attorney who can help you go after these salons and spas for what they have done, and to make sure that no one else suffers the same fate.