Taking care of your feet with a pedicure can be a relaxing and beautifying experience. However, it’s important to be aware of potential health risks associated with Foot Spas if proper hygiene practices are not followed. Outbreaks of skin infections linked to spa pedicures have raised concerns about foot spa safety. This information is designed to help you, as a customer, understand how to minimize the risk of infections when using salon foot spas.

Protecting Your Skin: Simple Precautions

Your skin acts as a natural barrier against microorganisms. However, if the skin is broken, it becomes vulnerable to infection, especially in environments like foot spas where water and bacteria can be present. To protect yourself:

• Avoid foot spas if you have broken skin. Microorganisms present in foot spa water can easily enter your body through cuts, abrasions, or any open wounds. If you have any breaks in the skin on your feet or legs, such as cuts, scrapes, bug bites, bruises, scratches, scabs, or poison ivy, it’s best to postpone your foot spa treatment until your skin is healed.

• Skip shaving or hair removal before your appointment. Do not shave, use hair removal creams, or wax your legs in the 24 hours leading up to your foot spa treatment. These hair removal methods can create tiny, often invisible, breaks in the skin, increasing the risk of infection.

Recognizing a Foot Spa Infection

It’s important to be able to identify a potential infection early. Foot spa infections often manifest as open wounds on the skin of the feet and legs. Initially, these infections may resemble insect bites or small pimples. However, unlike insect bites, these wounds will:

• Increase in size and severity over time. The affected area may become larger and more painful.
• Potentially develop pus. The wounds may become filled with pus, indicating a bacterial infection.
• Sometimes lead to scarring. In some cases, the infection can result in scarring of the skin.

If you notice any unusual wounds or skin irritations on your feet or legs after a foot spa treatment, it’s important to monitor them closely and seek medical advice if they worsen or don’t improve.

Understanding the Cause of Foot Spa Infections

Several types of microorganisms can cause infections in foot spas, but one of the most common culprits is Mycobacterium fortuitum. This bacterium is naturally found in water and soil. Foot spas, if not properly cleaned and disinfected, can become breeding grounds for this and other harmful organisms.

Foot spas are particularly susceptible to bacterial buildup because of their design. The screens, jets, and tubes within these systems can easily accumulate bacteria, leading to the formation of biofilms. Biofilms are dense, slimy layers of bacteria and proteins that are very difficult to remove, even with regular cleaning. These biofilms act as reservoirs of bacteria, constantly releasing microorganisms into the spa water and increasing the risk of infection for users.

What You Can Do to Ensure Foot Spa Safety

You have an important role to play in ensuring your safety at a foot spa. Here’s what you can do to minimize your risk of infection:

Inquire About Salon Cleaning and Disinfection Practices

Don’t hesitate to ask salon staff about their cleaning and disinfection procedures for foot spas. A reputable salon will be transparent and happy to answer your questions. Specifically, ask:

• How often are foot spas cleaned and disinfected? Ideally, foot spas should be disinfected after each customer and undergo a more thorough cleaning at the end of each day.
• What disinfectants are used? The salon should be using an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant.
• How are the disinfectants used? The disinfectant needs to be used for the full contact time specified on the product label to be effective, typically around 10 minutes depending on the disinfectant.

Proper cleaning and disinfection are crucial for reducing the bacteria that can accumulate in foot spa systems and significantly lowers your risk of infection.

Verify the Use of Hospital-Grade Disinfectants

Be proactive in checking for the use of appropriate disinfectants. Salons should use disinfectants that are specifically labeled as EPA-registered hospital disinfectants. These disinfectants are designed to kill a broad spectrum of bacteria and are suitable for use in environments where hygiene is critical.

You can identify an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant by looking at the product label. The label should clearly display several key pieces of information:

1. Terms indicating disinfectant properties: Look for words like “Disinfectant” and terms such as “Hospital,” “Medical,” or “Health Care.” These terms signify that the product is suitable for disinfecting surfaces in healthcare and similar environments.

2. EPA Registration Number: The label should include an EPA registration number, which confirms that the disinfectant is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

3. Disinfection Directions: Some products may have instructions for both sanitizing and disinfecting footbaths. It is crucial that salons follow the disinfecting directions to ensure proper hygiene.

Trust Your Gut: If in Doubt, Opt Out

Your health is paramount. If you have any doubts about the cleanliness or disinfection practices of a foot spa, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and choose not to use it. Don’t hesitate to prioritize your well-being.

If you encounter concerns about the hygiene practices at a salon, you have the right to report these issues to your state cosmetological board. These boards are responsible for regulating and overseeing the cosmetology industry, including ensuring safe practices in salons. Reporting your concerns can help protect not only yourself but also other customers from potential health risks.