Potential Health Risks of Salon Pedicures You Should Know!
Salon Pedicure Risks in the News
Recently, CBS News reported a story about a woman who was at risk of losing her leg due to a pedicure she received at her local salon.
Recently, CBS News reported a story about a woman who was at risk of losing her leg due to a pedicure she received at her local salon.
While this extreme type of infection is not common, there
are documented cases of severe bacterial infections as a result of non-sterile
instrumentation. Non-sterile
instruments, foot soaks and even nail files can transmit bacteria and fungus
from person to person... and from toe to toe.
This particular case involved a
pedicurist utilizing a type of shaver to remove a callus. In many states, it is actually illegal for
pedicurists to perform any type of callus removal beyond filing the
hardened/thickened area of skin. Even
nail technicians are often not permitted to utilize blades or shaving
devices. Medical assistants, working
with a podiatrist, aren't allowed to either!
While some states have higher regulations than others, there
are still limitations in “patrolling” salon compliance to cleanliness.
Common Infections Caused by Salon
Contamination
Our feet are highly susceptible to hosting
fungus because they are “housed” in socks and shoes which create an ideal
environment for fungus to thrive – dark and damp. Once fungus is present on a single toenail,
the transfer to multiple toenails is extremely probable.
While the transmission of a
limb-threatening bacterial infection as a result of a pedicure is not very
common, the risk of spreading fungal matter is a far more frequent
occurrence. Improper or incomplete
sterilization of previously used nail files is not uncommon at a large
percentage of nail salons.
Nail salons simply do not have the
standards for sterilization that one would find in a medical environment.
Benefits of Podiatric Medical Pedicures
Simply put – medical pedicures are
safe. Practices like InStride Family Foot
Care utilize the medical standards that become physicians’ highest
responsibility due to their training, education, and medical oath.
In addition to utilizing medical-grade
instruments and sterilization techniques, single-use foot tub liners are used
to decrease any chance of potential cross-contamination and infection.
For men and woman who do still want to get pedicures at a
salon, there is the option of receiving an initial treatment from a podiatrist
prior. The podiatrist is not only
trained in proper sterilization, but proper use of blades and shaver type
instruments to minimize potential complications.
Extra precautions are especially important for those with
diabetes, or anyone with compromised immune systems, due to the increased risk
of infection and non-healing wounds. The
same precautions should be considered for individuals who have had a history of
fungal infections. Fungal infections are
notorious for recurring.
Additionally, it is recommended that individuals do not
shave the areas of the feet and legs that may be exposed to pedicure tub water
or instruments. By not shaving, you will
reduce the chance of creating an open cut/wound (large or small) and reduce the
chance of potential infection.
Podiatry offices like InStride Family Foot Care also provide
polishes that are safer than salons.
These polishes are created with non-toxic chemicals and are infused with
antifungal elements like tea tree oil.
Essentially, medical pedicures with a licensed podiatrist is
the safe, sterile route for healthy looking feet!
