Skip the Pedicure and see a Podiatrist!

 According to Wikipedia a pedicure is performed for “cosmetic, theraputic and medical purposes.” Now, it could simply be due to the fact that therapeutic is not even spelled correctly, or it could be due to the suspicion that arises when publicly accessed literature implies beauticians can perform “medical” procedures. Either way some red flags need to be raised when it’s been suggested a beautician is qualified to perform anything more than simple nail trimming and painting.  A few things to consider before your next pedicure:

•          Salons may try to re-use tools. This is a big issue for obvious reasons. Consider asking, or looking for clues of re-use next time a technician takes to those toes with a beauty tool. Every year there are many reported cases of Staph and sometimes-even MRSA infections due to nail salons re-using non-professionally sterilized tools. Believe it or not the liquid “antiseptic” solutions salons use generally only kill low-level pathogenicity microbes, rendering this practice fairly infective in actual disease prevention.

•          Although footbaths or whirlpools may seem like wonderful foot therapy if not properly cleaned with serious antiseptics after every single use they can harbor everything from HPV to MRSA.

•         Ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis) should never be attempted to be remedied by a nail technician! This is an actual medical condition that should only be treated with professionally sterilized tools by a health care professional such as a Podiatrist. Not only could the nail plate and bed be further damaged by an untrained individual, but serious infections are a huge risk as well.

•          Nail technicians want to augment your cuticles but this is a big “no-no”. Cuticles were put around your nails for a reason; they prevent infection as they make a seal between your nail plate and skin from the external environment.

These are just a few reasons to skip pedicures altogether and see the Podiatrist. If you still need further convincing check out one of the following links including articles written by US News, Huffington Post and the Washington Post…

US News article - Pedicure or Pedicurse?

Washington Post article

Huffington Post--5 Dangers awaiting you at the nail salon

**This blog, and the medical information it presents is made possible by Dr. Michael Garvin of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. He has been practicing board certified podiatry for over 20 years, and accepts new patients. Visit his website for additional information here. To schedule an appointment, or find directions to his office click here.

Athelete's Foot

Tinea Pedis (Athelete’s Foot)

Tinea pedis, otherwise known as athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection of the skin that causes itching, scaling and flaking on the bottom of the foot.  The infection is caused by Trichophyton, which are tiny microscopic organisms that live on the layers of dead skin our body produces.   Direct transmission occurs in damp, moist environments that are conducive to fungal growth where individuals tend to go barefoot.

It is important to maintain proper foot hygiene and recognize tinea pedis as it has the ability to spread to other crevices of the body, especially the groin.  Notably the bottom of one’s foot may exhibit redness and scaling.  Persistent itching and burning may ensue.  Scratching is discouraged as one can create breaks in the skin, allowing the individual to become susceptible to a secondary bacterial infection. 

Although there are many skin conditions that can mimic the appearance of tinea pedis, Dr. Garvin can readily diagnose this fungal infection through a simple laboratory test.  Treatment may be rendered with the daily use of antifungal creams and washes.  Coincided with a cream or wash, preventative care aims to make the infected area less suitable for fungal growth.  Feet should be washed daily with soap and water, drying thoroughly between the toes.  Excessive sweating should be controlled and treated.  Socks and shoes should be kept clean and dry.  Footwear that is breathable should be opted for.  Medicated powders are available for placement in more occlusive shoe types to help keep them dry.  Most importantly, avoid walking barefoot in public places such as showers, gym rooms, locker rooms and swimming pools, which are all high risk, fungal-loving environments.

Our goal here at Foot and Ankle Specialist of the Treasure Coast is to keep you healthy and walking comfortably.  So stay healthy and keep your feet pain free!