Final answer:
Emery boards do not need to be discarded after each use for personal care, but they should be kept clean and dry. In professional nail salons, health regulations typically require emery boards to be discarded or sanitized between clients to prevent infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emery boards are tools used for filing nails, commonly made of cardboard with an abrasive material such as emery on its surface. The use of emery boards is a matter of both personal hygiene and professional practice in nail care. Regarding whether emery boards should be discarded after each use, it is not strictly necessary for individual personal use, but for professional settings, such as nail salons, discarding or properly sanitizing emery boards after each client is a standard practice to prevent the spread of infections.
For personal use, if the emery board is in good condition and not worn out, it can be used multiple times. However, it's important to keep it clean and dry to avoid the growth of bacteria or fungi. If the emery board becomes rough or the abrasive surface is no longer effective, it should be replaced. In contrast, professionals are often required by health regulations to use disposable tools or implement strict sanitation protocols to maintain a clean and safe environment for clients.