A 23-year-old woman in Oregon has filed a lawsuit against a nail salon, seeking $1.75 million in damages, claiming that a manicure treatment at the salon gave her herpes.

The customer visited the salon in June 2023 for a beauty treatment involving nail cutting, filing, and shaping. Shortly after the treatment, she noticed inflammation and swelling on two of her fingers and began to feel ill. Four days later, painful blisters erupted from her skin, and she was diagnosed with genital herpes after being rushed to the hospital.

The lawsuit, filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court, alleges that the technician at the salon did not wear gloves, which could have prevented the spread of infections. It also claims that the technician stored drill bits used for nail shaping inside an Altoids mints tin, raising concerns about hygiene practices at the salon.

The woman, identified only as S.R., is seeking damages from the salon, stating that the infection has caused her regular pain and suffering. She has had to cover up the sores on her fingers with band-aids, which has led to uncomfortable questions at times. Additionally, she fears that the infection may never be completely eradicated and could pose challenges for her future, including concerns about potential transmission to her children.

Speaking to Oregon Live, she described the flare-ups as ‘super, super painful’ and expressed the ongoing impact of the infection on her daily life.