Whirlpool Footspa Pedicures: The danger that lies beneath
Dec 18 '04
The Bottom Line Know the facts about these relaxing but potentially dangerous spa pedicures.
Ahhh, a nice whirlpool spa pedicure! Warm bubbling water to sooth your aching feet and if you're lucky, a heated massage chair to relax in.
Many of us ladies, and an increasing number of men, have indulged ourselves in this wonderful form of relaxation and pampering. However, recent news of bacterial infections linked to whirlpool spa pedicures here where I live (Santa Clara County, California) has prompted me to think twice about ever having a spa pedicure ever again and compelled me to write about the potential dangers of this increasingly popular pedicure option.
Nearly 100 cases of Mycobacterium fortuitum bacterial infections have been reported to Santa Clara County Department of Health (San Jose Mercury News, 12/17/04) over the last few months. These infections start out as boils and turn into oozing sores, often leaving disfiguring scars. They will require months of antibiotics and sometimes laser or plastic surgery is necessary to remove the scarring. Several times I have seen examples of these infections on TV and they are horrible looking. The women, including young teenage girls, are forced to wear long pants in hot summer months to cover the awful mess.
This is not the first time such an outbreak has occurred. Back in 2000 a large outbreak occured in Santa Cruz County. As a result, the State Board of Barbering & Cosmetology put into affect stringent new guidelines. Yet, with a limited number of inspectors to enforce these regulations, many spa operators are obviously able to get around the new rules and the consumer is paying the price, often in a ugly and painful way.
So what are the new regulations here in California?
1. The spa must be drained between each spa pedicure and cleaned with soap and water, as well as approved disinfectant.
2. At the end of the business day, the footspa screen (filter) must be cleaned with a disinfectant and debris removed. The spa system must be flushed with soap and water for at least 10 minutes.
3. The spa system must be cleaned with a bleach solution every other week. The basin must soaked in the solution for at least 6 hours.
So what are some good common sense guidelines for us as a consumer? While the above regulations are for California, every consumer in every state can use these guidelines to help them make a good choice.
1. Check for the salon license. Is it current and posted in plain view in the reception area?
2. Check for the operator's license. In California it must be posted at his or her work station.
3. Check to see if the Board's Health & Safety Poster is displayed in the reception area.
4. Check for overall cleanliness. Also check for sanitized instruments. Operators should sanitize instruments after each patron.
5. Ask the operator how the spas are cleaned. See above regulations.
(Here in California we have many operators with limited English. If there is no one in the salon who can answer in English, be careful. How can you expect them to follow the regulations if they are unable to communicate in English.)
6. Use common sense. If you don't get a good feel about the salon, leave.
If you still desperately want a pedicure, but want a safer alternative, then think about using a portable plastic footbath which carry less risk of infection. Still make sure that they are thoroughly cleaned between usage. Also consider bringing some of the disposable items on your own, such as buffers, emery boards, and toe separators. Too many times operators will try to re-use such items even though these items cost so little.
Now what if you are unfortunate enough to perhaps picked up one of these nasty bacterial infections. Run, don't walk to your doctor. Let him/her know that that you have had a whirlpool spa pedicure. A small biopsy will be taken and tested for the mycobacterial culture. And don't forget to immediately report the salon to your State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Here in California the toll-free number is 1-800-952-5210.
It is not my intent to scare every one off from doing spa pedicures, but perhaps with better knowledge and common sense we can make this wonderful form of relaxation just that. We shouldn't have to worry every time we lower our feet into the wonderful warm and bubbly water that what is massaging our toesies is actually pretty nasty.
For another very informative review on whirlpool spa pedicures, please check out My toenails got screwed at the nail salon by artemisadorned.
(My source for regulations and guidelines is www.dca.ca.gov/barber)
Picture of Mycobactrerium fortuitum lesion: http://tray.dermatology.uiowa.edu/DIB/MFortuit-01.htm
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