Woman books manicure at nail salon. Six surgeries later, she’s warning people to stay away from them completely
A TikToker has gone viral after sharing her cautionary tale regarding nail salons. In a clip that amassed 205,400 views, Claudia Ruffin (@claudiaruffin11) filmed herself walking. She stated, “This is your annual reminder to stay away from nail salons. It’s been two years to the day since I […] had my sixth surgery after I got a strep infection. I had to have 48 stitches, a skin graft, I lost the top of the thumb, so yeah […] stay away from nail salons.”
How did she get sepsis?
In the video description, she added, “It’s my 2-year Sepsis Anniversary, which means it’s your annual reminder to stay away from nail salons. I contracted a bacterial infection which turned into sepsis from a manicure (of all things) simply because they weren’t using sterile tools! Stay safe out there ladies and avoid nail salons at all costs.”
Commenters were grateful to her for raising awareness. “I did not know this was a thing,” one wrote. “Consider me influenced.”
“I literally stopped getting my nails done since watching your videos,” a second added. While a third repeated, “I haven’t been back to a salon since your video. I payed close attention and they consistently REUSE all tools. They were offended when I asked them to use clean drills so I never went back.”
Meanwhile, other TikTokers shared their own experiences, with a fourth writing, “Yes, happened to me. In the hospital for 10 days from a pedicure. Picc line for 3mo and antibiotics every 4hrs. I went straight to the ER. Sepsis does not mess around.”
And a fifth added, “My leg was amputated.”
@claudiaruffin11 It's my 2 year Sepsis Anniversary, which means it's your annual reminder to stay away from nail salons. I contracted a bacterial infection which turned into sepsis from a manicure (of all things) simply because they weren't using sterile tools!!! Stay safe out there ladies and avoid nail salons at all costs. #sepsis #manicure ♬ original sound – claudiaruffin11
The TikToker provided more context
In multiple other videos on her account, Ruffin shared more about her health crisis. In one, she clarified exactly how she contracted sepsis. She explains how she got a manicure where the nail tech was not wearing gloves. The woman was also sharing tools with the nail tech next to her. She noted how when the salon worker cut her thumb cuticle, she drew blood. She was so surprised there was no antibacterial spray or alcohol.
Within 10 minutes of the nail appointment, Ruffin recounted how her lymph nodes felt swollen and sore. She also had an elevated heart rate, which led to her going to the ER. The inflammatory markers in her blood were so high that she was put on a drip immediately. Ruffin emphasized how if she didn’t get medical intervention right away, she could’ve died or lost limbs.
In another slideshow video made in November 2025, she provided subsequent details. After staying in the ER overnight due to concerns over her blood, she noted how her thumb was swollen to the nurse.
They later found tracking marks from the thumb all the way up to her neck, and within an hour, her thumb was black. She described “excruciating” pain throughout her body, and had emergency surgery scheduled for that day. In total, she said she had six surgeries, 48 stitches, one skin graft, and a month in the hospital.
Ruffin didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via TikTok comment and email.
Expert warns about nail salon dangers
Speaking to UK publication SurreyLive, Mariana Eidelkind, Founder of Oblique House of Nails, described “improper tool sterilization” as a “serious concern.”
She emphasized the importance of cleaning tools like nail clippers, files, and cuticle pushers. She argued that they could carry “harmful pathogens” that could lead to illnesses like fungal infections, bacterial infections, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.
In turn, Eidelkind shared some red flags that salon visitors should look out for. These included using “visibly dirty or unclean tools,” the use of single-use items like nail files, buffers, and towels, and the “general cleanliness” of the salon. She also noted that technicians should wash their hands and wear gloves.
She also recommended asking the nail technician about how they sterilize the equipment.
“A lot of people feel rude or uncomfortable to ask about the salon’s sterilisation process, but a reputable salon should have no problem explaining how they clean and sterilise their tools,” she added. “Ask whether they use an autoclave or medical-grade sterilising equipment, as these are the most effective methods for ensuring proper hygiene.”
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