Pedicure Infections: Today Tonight Nail Salon Investigation

Posted in Podiatry, Uncategorized on March 25, 2018

With the sudden growth of nail salons popping up in almost every suburban shopping strip, we have also seen a rise in the instances of pedicure caused skin infections. 

Unfortunately, I have seen first hand the damage these nail salons can do to your feet with a couple of my patients experiencing some terrible side effects. 

How to Choose a Pedicure Salon to Avoid Infection

If you are considering visiting a nail salon for a pedicure, the first thing you should check is the type of sterilisation that they conduct on their pedicure equipment.

Unless the nail salon says to you we steralise all instruments with an Autoclave after each and every patient, turn the other way and walk out of the nail salon!

The risk of obtaining a fungal infection increases substantially if a nail salon is not using an Autoclave. 

In a Podiatry clinic, sterilisation occurs on equipment after every single patient as per health regulations.

A Podiatry clinic will steralise with an Autoclave.

This is what your Podiatrist must do by the law!

See a Podiatrist Instead of a Nail Salon

Yes.

Your Podiatirst is able to provide professional general treatments on your toenails and feet. 

This is a medical consultation and whilst a Podiatrist won't paint your nails, you can be at least assured that you won't contract a fungal infection after a visit!

And, if you have private health insurance with Podiatry cover, you may be able to claim.

Pedicure Infection Treatment?

What can you do if you've already been to a nail salon and contracted a pedicure infection?

It's okay, there is treatment available for your pedicure infection.

Depending on how severe the infection is you may need to be placed on some antibiotics or told by your Podiatrist to apply some topical cream. In the worst cases, you may need to have the infection drained by your doctor. 

To get treatment for your pedicure infection, it is best to see a Doctor or Podiatrist and obtain medical advice. 

Today Tonight: Pedicure Infections Story

If you're brave enough to watch, below I have included a Channel 7 video from the Today Tonight program which featured the hygiene standards of nail salons in Australia.