Is It Safe to Have Pedicures?

By Dr. Belinda Dotter

"Is it safe to have pedicures?"

Yes! As long as you consider the following things:

1. Look around the pedicure area:  Is is clean?  Are dirty tools lying around?  When in doubt, change salons.
   
2. Bacteria and other organisms (such as fungus) can enter your skin through any broken skin, so any scratches, bruises, scabs, wounds or abrasions should not touch the foot spa water. Or if you're unsure, better to postpone the pedicure until the skin has healed.
   
3. Do not do the following 24 hours before the pedicure:  use hair removal cream, wax, or shave legs.
   
4. Find out how the salon cleans and disinfects the foot spas, how they are maintained between customers. The foot bath and instruments should be cleaned and disinfected after each customer.
   
5. Ask to see the disinfectant. Salons should use an EPA-registered hospital grade disinfectant.  If there is a label on the container stating "Hospital," "Medical," or "Health Care," then that product may be used as a disinfectant on surfaces in these environments.  You want the salon to use this type.  You may be labeled as a picky customer, but better picky than a foot infection.
   
6. Pay attention to how much time is spent between customers on cleaning the foot spa/bath.  Most hospital grade disinfectants need 10 minutes to fully work.  If the cleaner is used then rinsed within 3 minutes then that foot spa is not considered disinfected.
   
7. Do not use the foot spa if you are not sure it is disinfected and safe to use. Do not risk your health. You should report any problems to your state cosmetological board if necessary.

Community Foot Specialists - Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Serving Dayton and Springfield, Ohio Call today to schedule your appointment! (937) 426-9500

12 Year Old Almost Dies From Foot Blister

Macenzie Campbell, 12, almost died from a blister
after wearing shoes without socks

Macenzie Campbell was rushed to Royal Bolton Hospital when a blister on his foot became infected because he wore shoes without socks. His mother thought that the infection was a wart and applied a treatment but the next day, his foot had swollen and a red rash spread all over his body. After the rash started turning black, his body went into shock, his organs started to fail and his body began to shut down. Macenzie is now recovering at home, after doctors operated on his foot to remove the infected tissue and kept him in the hospital for a week. According to the doctors, he was six hours away from death.

A blister is the result of friction or rubbing on the skin. It forms when the outer layer of skin separates from the inner layers causing fluid to build up in between them. A blister could also be filled with pus if it is infected. Typically, a blister develops if the skin is wet or moist and is continually rubbed in the same location, and they are most common on the feet and hands. If you are suffering from a blister, you might wonder, “When is it okay to drain it?”

Do not drain it if...
If the blister is small and not too painful, keep it clean and leave it intact. Do not try to drain it because the skin acts as a barrier to keep bacteria out and lowers the risk of infection. Also, the fluid within the blister keeps the underlying skin clean and promotes healing. Cover the blister with a bandage or gauze pad and it should heal on its own. If you are diabetic, do not attempt to puncture or drain your blister and please see a podiatrist.

Drain it if...
If the blister is large, painful and prevents you from your daily activities, you may want to try to drain it. First, make sure your hands are clean and clean the blister thoroughly. Wipe the blister with rubbing alcohol, and use the rubbing alcohol to sterilize a sharp needle. Puncture the blister near the edge not the middle because you want to try to avoid disturbing the unbroken skin over a blister. Let the fluid drain and when it is done, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the blister with a bandage.

Don’t forget to look for signs of an infection: pus drainage, redness or warmth around a blister, an increase in pain, red streaks in skin, and fever. If a blister becomes infected, one of the risks include secondary impetigo, a contagious bacterial infection. Another risk is cellulitis, a serious skin infection that may affect tissues under your skin and spread into your bloodstream. In the case of Macenzie Campbell, he suffered from Sepsis, a life-threatening bacterial infection in the blood stream.

To prevent blisters, minimize the friction and keep your feet dry by wearing fresh socks. You should also wear proper fitting shoes.

Community Foot Specialists - Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Serving Dayton and Springfield, Ohio Call today to schedule your appointment! (937) 426-9500

Marvin Jones of the Bengals Out with Foot Injury

Third-year wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, Marvin Jones, sustained a left foot injury during Saturday's practice at the Paul Brown Stadium. Coincidentally, Jones suffered what is called a "Jones Fracture." These fractures can be tiny stress fractures or an acute and sudden break in the foot. Jones fractures are caused by repetitive stress, overuse of the foot, or trauma.

Jones had surgery over the weekend and it consisted of having a pin placed in the fifth metatarsal bone. It is likely that he will miss the rest of preseason and the first month of the 2014 NFL season (first three games). The Bengals hope that he will be able to return after the bye week for the game against the New England Patriots, scheduled Oct. 5 at 8:30 pm.

Community Foot Specialists - Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Serving Dayton and Springfield, Ohio Call today to schedule your appointment! (937) 426-9500

Walk Your Feet!

Walking is a very inexpensive way to stay healthy and help keep your feet in shape. This is an activity suitable for all ages that can happen any time, year round and practically everywhere. It is also a great way for people to start getting the recommended amount of exercise, especially if they are unused to physical activity, pregnant, or overweight.

Most of us are familiar with the benefits of exercise; it helps control weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. More specifically, walking is an aerobic exercise that delivers oxygen rich blood to your muscles. It is a healthy activity that will improve your cardiovascular fitness and lower your blood pressure as well as your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Walking on trails and natural ground also prevents older adults from falling because they will be more use to the unevenness of the ground, which helps to improve their balance. Additionally, walking is a low-impact exercise that will be easy on your joints.

Did you know that a brisk walk can burn up to 100 calories per mile? You should try briskly walking for 30 minutes a day. If you have been inactive and are just beginning, start off slow and walk at least 5 to 10 minutes around the block. Work your way up to the “30 minute brisk walk” goal. It is okay to take it easy until you feel comfortable walking faster for longer periods of time, as any exercise is better than none.

After you start habitually walking, you should notice that you feel better overall. This is because your body will release endorphins that help relieve stress, anxiety, and decrease depression. Walking also gives you a chance to clear your mind and keep it sharp— some even consider it a type of meditation. Walking daily helps boost your mood, helps you get a good night’s sleep, keeps your muscles strong, and helps you live happier longer. 

Before you start, be sure to wear proper fitting walking shoes to help prevent bunions, blisters, or calluses. Your shoes should be comfortable and offer enough support for you feet. Also, don’t forget to wear socks. Now get out there and enjoy the fresh air! :)

Community Foot Specialists - Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Serving Dayton and Springfield, Ohio Call today to schedule your appointment! (937) 426-9500