Home > Better health > Archives > 2007 > November > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNo more pedicures!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I have not been to a pedicurist in ages. What was once one of life’s relaxing little luxuries has become, for me, just one more source of stress, ever since I saw that unsettling television news segment awhile back about women who’d gotten staph infections at nail salons — with painful and disfiguring consequences.
Am I being paranoid?
My fashionable friends have hinted at that. If only letting go of some vanity was all it took to protect myself from these highly contagious germs.
We’ve all been reminded of this recently, with reports of the increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a hard-to-fight infection once confined primarily to health care facilities that’s been turning up in schools and other public places. It’s been blamed for the death of a Virginia high school student a few weeks ago and has stricken a number of local students this school year, fortunately without serious effects thus far.
Going overboard on antimicrobial soaps and hand sanitizers, or taking antibiotics whether you really need them or not, is not the solution. In fact, many scientists believe it’s wearing down our immunities and making these “super bugs” all the more difficult to irradicate. But, there are a number of sensible steps you can take to protect yourself.
At the top of the list is taking charge of your personal hygiene — right down to the tip of your toes.
What are you doing to protect yourself and your family from staph infections?
Permalink | Comments (20) | Post your comment | Categories: Family
Services »
Comments
By Liz
November 5, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
I will NEVER give up my pedicures. I go to an American Salon, with American women who actually speak English, and they have higher standards than most of the asian “salons” run by thugs.
The one luxury I allow myself is a pedicure. I love having my feet and legs massaged. It’s worth the pain of having the cuticles cut, knowing there is a wonderful leg massage soon after!!!
I get this done about twice a month, and it’s FOR ME!!!!
By southside girl
November 5, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Can anyone recommend a nail salon that is American owned?
By Smiley
November 5, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
I use a salon that is pretty much all asian. They take the care to clean the tub as soon as they finish someone’s feet and actually dry it out. I do not go that often as I mostly do my own but it is a great feeling to have feet and calves massaged after having soaked for 15 to 20 minutes.
By JJ
November 5, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
I go to a salon in Suwanee, next to Antigua Mexican Rest off Peachtree Industrial, sorry I can’t remember the name of the place. The girl who runs it is Asian, but speaks English very well, as she was raised here. That’s why I go to her.
The tubs are cleaned as soon as a customer steps out, and all “utensils” are cleaned immediately. I have been going there for about a year now, and I love it.
By Marge
November 5, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
You can also get toenail fungus from pedicures\manicure salons not cleaning equipment.
YUK.
Just go pay a massage therapist for your feet and leg massage, and do your toes yourself.
By no more
November 5, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
I never get a spa pedicure for that reason, but I didn’t realize it also wasn’t safe to get a regular pedicure where they use an individual tub and fill it for each customer. I used to get pedicures but I don’t like it that they always overnip and hurt me (I don’t let them cut the cuticles but they do trim the hangnails), they tickle my feet, they don’t understand when I say something and who knows if they’re talking about us customers when they chatter in their language. And I don’t like that greasy oil all over my legs. My husband gives me an hour long foot rub several times a week so who needs it?
By just a convenience
November 5, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t go to someone else but I have trouble bending down to my toenails, hence the pedicures.
By wiseone
November 5, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
My daughter got a horrible mycobaterial infection from Luxury Nails in Snellville. She still has many scars. I did some research on the internet and found it is very common to get this from unclean equipment. A class action lawsuit was settled in California from 74 patrons who were infected. Here’s a website, showing what can happend to you: (http://www.oregon.gov/OHLA/COS/BacterialSkinInfections.shtml)
By wiseone
November 5, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
The link I was trying to post is: http://www.oregon.gov/OHLA/COS/BacterialSkinInfections.shtml
By So-So Concerned
November 5, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
I get my pedicure about once a month at Amy’s Nail in Riverdale off Hwy. 85. How they protect their customers from infections is by using a plastic liner in the tub for each customer. In addition to using the liner, they also sanitize it before the next customer as well as the tools used for pedi/manicures.
By Joanne
November 5, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
As a licensed professional cosmetologist/nail technician I have to stand up for the pedicure industry. I always clean my pedicure bowls/implements after every client (beyond state requirements). I ask each client if there are any medical conditions I need to be aware of (Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Poor Circulation, etc). There should be no pain involved in receiving a pedicure. If there is, do not use that technician again! Fungus’ can be picked up in your backyard too. They aren’t always caused by dirty implements. Clients should always feel free to interview their potential manicurist just like you would your doctor, dentist, housekeeper or babysitter. Ask questions, be informed, make an intelligent decision and enjoy! Pedicures are one of lifes’ little pleasures!
By Robin
November 5, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
Luxury in Snellville is one of the cleanest I have ever been in. Have watched them on many occasions and they are meticulous about hygiene.
I have a friend that thought she got an infection from a pedicure, but come to find out it was from her gym. The Dr. that treated her said that while these “salons” may be at to blame at times, there are a myriad of other places you can “catch” things from. He told her that people that are sick, with compromised immune systems and diabetics should NOT go to “nail salons”. And - don’t let them cut your cuticles or remove your callouses (sp) with razor blades. I think they were suppose to stop doing that - but I’m told many “salons” still do!
Heck, I always wonder about the cleanliness of the person before me that tries on clothing and shoes!
By Mary
November 5, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
There’s nothing wrong with getting pedicures at a nail shop - whether it’s Asian or American owned. As with anything else, you have to be an informed consumer. I have been going to my current nail shop for about 9 years now. They know me and how picky I am.
I used to keep my own manicure and pedicure kit, but now that I am a regular, they know that I expect everything to be sanitized before it touches my hands or feet. I don’t have to ask anymore. But, when I first started going, I requested that everything be sanitized and they did it because they want to make the customers happy. This particular shop that I go to uses plastic liners in the portable pedicure tubs and they have steralizing equipment for all their mani/pedi tools. The shop is very clean and professional.
If you go into a shop and it doesn’t look clean and you don’t see steralizing equipment and cleaning supplies for the pedicure tubs, then you might be putting yourself at risk.
Most importantly, don’t EVER shave your legs before getting a pedicure. It’s an open invitation for an infection.
By Misty
November 5, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
So So Concerned,
I too am a client at Amy Nails in Riverdale. I have been a client for 5 years, so far I have not had any problems.
Nancy and Le-Le are my techs.
By Ron
November 5, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
I go to 10ten nail bar in the Virginia Highlands and they are wonderful and clean
By Rodney
November 5, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
10ten is great! I don’t go in for all the other ‘menu’ services, just the “10 toes” but it’s fantastic.
By Atlanta Pearl Girl
November 5, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
I love pedicures….. I think if the shop is reputable…and cleanliness is a major factor….you’re fine.
Atlanta Pearl Girl
By Pedi lover
November 5, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
Never had a problem in one of the Asian salons. Faithful treatments for about 14 years now. I look to make sure everything is clean and to my specs before I put my feet in. Of course, I would never go in with a foot problem as that is not fair to them to work on your sick foot. The tub is probably cleaner than the pool deck you walked on this summer or your own bathroom floor. Just make sure they use cleaners and alcohol. Keep your shoes on at all times and take your own sandals. Don’t walk barefooted. Beware if they don’t put the clippers or cuticle instrument in solution. I have seen places put the instrument back in the drawer after using it. Gross! Also look for a fresh towel or paper towel under your feet or hands. I have walked out of a salon for not wanting to replace the paper towel when getting a manicure. Getting a pedicure is my therapy and feels so…good when I leave!
By muffin
November 5, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
work in a personal injury office for a day and you’ll never have another pedicure again. it’s not worth it.
By whatever floats ur boat
November 7, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
I love my pedicures but only get them done in the summer. It is my time to relax and have me time after taking care of my house and four children. To the person that said “asian” salons are run by thugs…. you are obviously going to the wrong place bcause I’ve never seen a thug running a salon. I would trust asian b4 I will trust american bcause u c more asian salons than american salons….there4 they must have more knowledge, skills and experience. But like the name says whatever floats ur boat. God loves us all!!!!