Learn About Infections Caused by Pedicures and How to Prevent the Infections From Occurring.

Learn About Infections Caused by Pedicures and How to Prevent the Infections From Occurring.
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Receiving a pedicure is a great way to relax and promote the appearance of your feet. However, there are risks associated with receiving a pedicure. Infections caused by pedicures are more common than one might think. Infections are transmitted through a pedicure when the proper hygienic and sanitizing procedures aren’t taken. Infections caused by pedicures can become quite serious if left untreated.

There are numerous health risks associated with nail salons and spas. Fungal infections are commonly transmitted by pedicures. Fungal infections that are often received from a pedicure include yellow fungal nails and athlete’s foot. Bacterial infections are common as well. Staphylococcus is one of the most common bacterial infections received from pedicures. Viral infections are transmitted by pedicures also, which include hepatitis B and C as well as plantar warts.

Mycobacterium Fortuitum Infection

Mycobacterium fortuitum infection is one of the most common infections received from a pedicure. The infection is caused from the spread of the microbe nontuberculous mycobacterium. This infection causes painful sores to develop. Symptoms of this infection include spots that appear to be spider bits, which then turn into boils. These boils continue to grow until pus is produced. In order to treat this infection, antibiotics are needed to heal the boils and eliminate the infection. Treating this infection can take a prolonged period of time. Depending on the severity of the infection, multiple courses of antibiotics may be needed.

Preventing Pedicure Infections

Due to the fact pedicure infections are spread through unsanitary practices and poor hygiene, there are many preventative steps that can be taken to reduce the risk for developing an infection. Prior to receiving a pedicure, make sure your feet have been washed well and sanitized. Don’t receive a pedicure if you have sores or open wounds on your feet.

Only visit nail salons and spas that practice the proper safety procedures for pedicures. The nail salon or spa you’ll be visiting should have current license to practice by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and the Board’s Health and Safety poster. Prior to receiving a pedicure, speak with the salon or spa’s management about the safety practices used at the facility, such as how often the foot baths are cleaned and sanitized.

When visiting a nail salon or spa, bring your own pedicure tools. The tools need to be sanitized before use. By using your own tools, you’ll eliminate the risk of contracting an infection from the tools shared with previous clients.

When you receive a pedicure, make sure the pedicurist only cuts the toenails, not the cuticles. If the cuticles are cut, this leaves the skin open to bacteria. Also, the toenails shouldn’t be cut too far down and the skin shouldn‘t be nicked.

Finally, to prevent pedicure infections, if the facility looks dirty or any red flags are raised regarding the sterilization of the facility, it’s best to walk away and choose another nail salon or spa.

References:

Price of Pedicure May Include Viral Infection” Foot and Ankle Center of Washington

Pedicure” Mama’s Health