Who doesn’t love a great manicure and pedicure? The hot, bubbling water soaking your tired, overworked feet… the relaxing massage and great smelling scrubs… the fabulous new Chanel color on your nails… the boils and scars from bacteria- wait, WHAT?
Sad, but true. Unsafe practices such as unsanitized tools and contaminated foot baths can put you at risk for fungal, bacterial, and atypical mycobacterial infections, and theoretically, hepatitis.
In October 2000, a study was performed in northern California, where the first known outbreak of Mycobacterium fortuitum skin infections were acquired from whirlpool footbaths at a nail salon. Over 100 pedicure customers had boils on the lower legs that left scars. The bacteria was found in the area behind the screen of the recirculation inlet in each of 10 footspas at the nail salon. Soon after, 3 cases of lower extremity infections associated with 2 different nail salons were documented from southern California.
A survey of nail salons done in different parts of California (Alameda, Sacramento, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego) was done. A team assessed footspa equipment, cleaning solutions, cleaning techniques and frequencies, and took swab samples. 31 swabs were collected from 30 whirlpool footbaths in 18 nail salons from the 5 California counties. Mycobacteria were isolated from all pedicure spas surveyed, except for one that had been in service for 11 days.
Fungal and bacterial infections (such as staph) are commonly acquired from pedicures and manicures. Unsanitized instruments, including nail files and pumice files, are often used on one client after another. Add in a contaminated food bath that stays moist and warm, and it’s the perfect setup for fungus and other infections. Even more worrisome is when cuticles are clipped or razors are used, causing a client to bleed. If those instruments aren’t properly sanitized (which means placing them in a medical grade autoclave), then there is a small risk of transmission of infectious diseases like hepatitis.
Scary… so what’s a mani/pedi loving girl to do? The best option is, of course, to do your own nails at home. But for die hard salon fans, caution is key. Bring your own tools and nail polishes to be used for the treatments. Look for salons that are clean. If the footbaths are not being cleaned between clients, walk out! Protect your precious skin; it’s the only one you have.
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