Pedicure Risks Lurk in Salons

Cathy Linton expected a pedicure, but what she ended up with was a permanent scar.

"It was a cone-shaped hole in my ankle and absolutely disgusting," said Linton, who lives in Marietta.

At its worst, the hole was the size of a quarter. Beneath the scab, it was a quarter-inch deep.

The wound lasted six months and it took six different doctors before a proper diagnosis was rendered.

"I had been diagnosed with this bacterial infection that my infectious disease doctor believed came from a pedicure salon," Linton said.

Cathy Linton Cathy Linton Cathy Linton

Linton's experience serves as a cautionary tale for customers who receive pedicures. Salons that don't have proper cleaning procedures can place their customers at risk for skin infections.

Rick Nolte, a microbiologist at Emory University, has studied the ailment and has published his findings about Linton's experience as well as that of two other women who live in metro Atlanta.

"Looks like got it from the foot baths at their local nail salon," he said.

Nolte said tap water commonly contains germs that cause the infections. Those germs can only multiply and reach potentially dangerous levels, however, by feeding on the dead skin and debris left in an unclean pedicure tub.

As she sat with her feet in a tub, pedicure client Cherie Cervasio, said, "I don't want to leave here with any disease or any fungus under my toenails. It's scary."

Both Cervasio's husband and father-in-law work in the nail care industry.

"The stress is on sanitation with anything on our industry," said Frank Cervasio, who works at Ace Nail Supply.

He said a new line of disinfectants that will protect pedicure clients from skin infections costs just pennies per application, but some salons don't bother.

An undercover investigation by Channel 2 Action News at the nail salon that Linton patronized found a worker cleaning a pumice stone in a whirlpool tub and then simply rinsing.

There were no chemicals applied at all during the station's investigation.

In contrast, officials at Beleza Salon in North Fulton County say they have extensive cleaning procedures.

"I have just sprayed the tub out with a hospital grade disinfectant, and I'm cleaning it out," said technician Harris Blythe. "Then I'll spray it down with alcohol and let it sit."

State regulators say the practice of disinfecting a pedicure spa has been an unwritten rule. But state regulators could codify the practice.

Georgia's Board of Cosmetology hopes to implement sweeping new regulations by the end of the year.

Until the precautions are standard operating procedure, pedicure customers can take steps themselves to protect their health.

Officials say the clients should not shave their legs before the appointment.

Nolte, the Emory microbiologist, said pathogens can attack the skin through a small opening in the skin, such as one received from a shaving nick.

The three people who experienced skin problems all reported shaving before receiving a pedicure.

Linton said she wished she had known about the precaution before.

"When you Go to a fast food restaurant there's a sticker outside that says 'Caution, coffee is hot,' and I'm thinking 'Who doesn't know that?'" she said. "But when you go to a pedicure salon, no one tells you: 'Caution. You shouldn't shave your legs before you come in.'"