Avoid Pedicure Infections With 3 Simple Steps

April

Avoid Pedicure Infections With 3 Simple Steps

A pedicure can hideously disfigure your legs.

Ok, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration but pedicures can be dangerous, at least according to one dermatologist`s report.

The report describes a case in which 110 women developed persistent red boils on their legs after having their toe nails done in a nail salon. It turns out that the infected sore were caused by a skin disease called mycobacterial furunuculosis. Further investigation showed that the whirlpool baths the women used were contaminated with Mycobacterium fortuitum, the bacteria that cause this condition.

Two factors made the situation even worse: First, their salon used the throne type footbaths that are mounted to the chair (as opposed to the plain foot baths that can be picked up and washed in a sink.) These throne type baths are more likely to be contaminated because they`re harder to clean. Second, 70% of the women who contracted the disease had shaved their legs prior to their treatment which left them even more vulnerable to attack by the bacteria.

While this condition is treatable with antibiotics, the infection can be tough to get rid of and it can leave the legs seriously scarred. So, to make sure you`re safe out there, here are the Beauty Brains’ tips on how to protect yourself during a pedicure:

1.) Get off the throne
The common denominator in these cases was the throne type footbath. So get off the “throne” and use a plain footbath that is thoroughly washed and disinfected between uses.

2.) Wait until after your pedicure to shave
Since shaving your legs can open up tiny cuts in the skin through which bacteria can enter, you`re much safter if you shave AFTER your pedicure. Remember, shaving was a risk factor for infection in 70% of the patients.

3.) Don’t be promiscous with your choice of salon

The salon in this study had 110 customers who became infected. Knowing the people who run the salon and knowing others who use their services will increase your chances of being tipped off to a problem before you`re the next victim. If you consistently use the same salon you’ll be better off in the long run.

The Brains Bottom Line:

Sure your nails look good with a coat of Orly or OPI. But your legs DON’T look good covered in oozing red sores. So use some salon smarts and protect yourself from pedicure panic.

13 Responses to “Avoid Pedicure Infections With 3 Simple Steps”

Pedicures can be Dangerous | Skinplistic Says:

[...] Beauty Brains have provided some simple tips on how to protect your self during a [...]
Ninjarina Says:

TBH, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a manicure chair that wasn’t a throne type but then again, I only go to the cheaper places and I’ve never had a problem. I think the issue of economics comes in when discussing this since it takes a lot of extra time to disinfect all those tubs.
Lynnette Says:

The issue of these thrones is not a money issue! In this area, you get what you pay for.
If you want cheap, then you will get cheap.
It is MANDATORY by all companies that sell the throne pedi chairs to have directions on how to clean them.
Here is a breakdown:
after each client, the tubs MUST be cleaned with a bleach type cleanser and run for ten minutes between clients.
At the end of the day, the screens MUST be taken out and cleaned thoroughly to remove all debris.
The places you get your pedicures for $15 are not caring about your health.
AND while I am on it—did you know that those razor blade Credo type shavers that are used at those places are ILLEGAL to use in most states?
I hope you enjoy your cheap pedicure. You may not have had a problem. YET.
Colleen Says:

Thank you so much Beautybrains! As a podiatrist and pedicure lover, I give the above suggestions to my patients. My colleagues and I also suggest bringing your personal tool kit along. This past year I developed a great kit – Sole Savior’s SOS Safe Salon Pedicure Kit It’s a hit in dermatology and podiatry offices. Nail salon hazards are a public health issue. Thank you for your informed and useful article.
GlamBlush :: How to be a ‘Sole Survivor’ Says:

[...] to The Beauty Brains (which has a fabulous in-depth article on how to avoid pesky pedicure infections), pedicure chairs with an attached footbath are most likely more contaminated than you’d think… [...]
E Says:

Would love your input on this 4 question survey. I write for the beauty industry and am doing research for an article.
What I wish my nail professional knew….

here is the link. Pass it on.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=RcyJuTTKz1LV7RQFc_2fNzog_3d_3d
Natalie Says:

Hi, i just came back from a pedicare and i had a foot scar from my new shoes before doing the pedicare. i am now really worried. i rubbed alcohol on my feet and on the scare before going to bed.. any other tips? should i be worried? i really dont think this salon didn’t use throne type tubs, however i am still worried as i am on vacation in a third world country and doubt that they apply all the necessary cleaning excericise. iknow i probably shouldn’t have gone in the first place! please advise… thanks!
Natalie Says:

from my above comment, it wasn’t a scar, but an open cut from my new shoes…
Can You Get HIV From A Nail Salon? | Beauty Secrets Blog Says:

[...] sanitized foot baths can cause a variety of other infections. See our previous post about the danger of infection from pedicures for more [...]
Can You Get HIV From A Nail Salon? | 1800blogger Says:

[...] sanitized foot baths can cause a variety of other infections. See our previous post about the danger of infection from pedicures for more [...]
Marcia Says:

All basin problems can be easily solved if you bring you own large garbage bag. You have the water in the garbage bag so your feet never get contaminated by anything in the foot tubs. Then bring your own tools and if the tech washes her hands you are fine.
Skin Access » Hand / Foot Care Shaving » Pedicures can be Dangerous Says:

[...] Beauty Brains have provided some simple tips on how to protect your self during a [...]
Hans Mueller Says:

I am speaking about the millions who are being infected through contaminated cross shared piercing, tattooing (ink), manicure, pedicure, podiatry needles and instruments. Worldwide Health Authorities are not doing what they should do to stop or prevent this public health threat. People should only use personal, disposable or correctly autoclaved tools for these procedures. With 400 million people already infected with one of the hepatitis B,C,D,G etc. viruses and many ordinary diseases spreading fast, users of shared tools need efficient sanitary rules to prevent effectively these contaminations. Users need more protection!