Got funky looking toenails? Help is on the way! Got to www.nomoreuglytoenails.com. Listen in on the conversation between friends......
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Laser Therapy For Toenail Fungus
Dr. Dana Waters, a podiatrist at Family Foot & Ankle Specialists in Hillsborough and Piscataway, NJ describes how they use laser therapy for nail fungus. The painless procedure takes about 15 minutes in the office and does not have any side effects."Our patients love the laser because they don't have to do any prior testing of the liver, like other toenail fungus treatments," explains Dr. Waters. After just one visit, your toenails will look brand new, you will have beautiful and healthy looking toenails.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Toenail Fungus a Sign of Bad Health?
As the world watches the trial of Michael Jackson’s death, the intimate details of his health are being revealed. It was exposed to the public that among many problems, Michael Jackson had fungal infections and calluses on his feet so bad it made it difficult for him to perform. One testimony stated his toenail fungus was so bad that doctors thought his flesh was rotting. Do we care about the late Jackson’s feet? Is this any indicator of his health or were his feet no different than any other 50 year old man?
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is most commonly caused by the same fungus that causes athletes’s foot. Trichophyton rubrum is a fungus that is present throughout the world and is transmitted exclusively from human to human. Animal infections have only been rarely reported for this specific species. Though predominately a human infection, T. rubrum can survive 18 months without a human host. Thus, infections can be transmitted indirectly. Though fungus is a universally accepted cause of deformed and thickened nails, studies are revealing that only 50% of dystrophic nails have a fungal infection. Thus it is still necessary and recommended to have a laboratory or microscopic diagnosis.
In the US and UK, the incidence of toenail fungus is 3% of the population but increases to over 80% in persons over 70 years of age. Different subgroups have a higher incidence of onychomycosis. In communal shower environments injections are near 20%. Onychomycosis in persons with diabetes have been reported to be higher than the general populations with studies reporting 20-50% of diabetics having nail fungus. 13% of psoriasis patients have nail fungus. Patients with HIV, peripheral vascular disease, Down ’s syndrome, and leprosy also have higher incidence of fungal infections. Males are also more susceptible to infections most likely due to hormonal and hygiene differences. Children have a uniform low incidence of nail fungus with only 0.3% being infected. Research is now even showing a genetic component to fungal infections. Some people may have a genetic makeup that makes them more susceptible to fungal infections!
Since the general incidence of onychomycosis is relatively high, it is hard to use onychomycosis as an indicator as general health. Though many systemic and chronic diseases have a high incidence of nail fungus, many healthy individuals still get infected. Though nail fungus in adults is often overlooked or deemed insignificant, a child should bring suspicion of an underlying disease compromising the immune system due to the significantly lower incidence in this age group. Though his nail fungus was so bad doctors thought the feet were decaying sounds dramatic and significant, I can say with confidence that his nail fungus was not significant in the death of our late pop king.
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is most commonly caused by the same fungus that causes athletes’s foot. Trichophyton rubrum is a fungus that is present throughout the world and is transmitted exclusively from human to human. Animal infections have only been rarely reported for this specific species. Though predominately a human infection, T. rubrum can survive 18 months without a human host. Thus, infections can be transmitted indirectly. Though fungus is a universally accepted cause of deformed and thickened nails, studies are revealing that only 50% of dystrophic nails have a fungal infection. Thus it is still necessary and recommended to have a laboratory or microscopic diagnosis.
In the US and UK, the incidence of toenail fungus is 3% of the population but increases to over 80% in persons over 70 years of age. Different subgroups have a higher incidence of onychomycosis. In communal shower environments injections are near 20%. Onychomycosis in persons with diabetes have been reported to be higher than the general populations with studies reporting 20-50% of diabetics having nail fungus. 13% of psoriasis patients have nail fungus. Patients with HIV, peripheral vascular disease, Down ’s syndrome, and leprosy also have higher incidence of fungal infections. Males are also more susceptible to infections most likely due to hormonal and hygiene differences. Children have a uniform low incidence of nail fungus with only 0.3% being infected. Research is now even showing a genetic component to fungal infections. Some people may have a genetic makeup that makes them more susceptible to fungal infections!
Since the general incidence of onychomycosis is relatively high, it is hard to use onychomycosis as an indicator as general health. Though many systemic and chronic diseases have a high incidence of nail fungus, many healthy individuals still get infected. Though nail fungus in adults is often overlooked or deemed insignificant, a child should bring suspicion of an underlying disease compromising the immune system due to the significantly lower incidence in this age group. Though his nail fungus was so bad doctors thought the feet were decaying sounds dramatic and significant, I can say with confidence that his nail fungus was not significant in the death of our late pop king.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Stinky Feet Lead the Way in Mosquito Research
Summer is here! The blissful summer nights full of beaches, camp fires, smores, camping, and bugs!!! Nothing ruins a beautiful night better than a swarm of mosquitoes or the multitude of off smelling mosquito repellants. We have all been bitten by a mosquito in almost every place imaginable. Don’t you dare walk through long grass after dark in flip flops! Your feet will look like a teenage boy’s face before proactive! . Now the world of mosquito research is turning to feet to find the answers to keep these bugs away from our leisure activities. New research is developing and scientists are discovering that many mosquito species actually prefer the foot! Daniel Kline was one of the first to focus on the mosquito and feet and found that many females preferred dirty 3 day-old-socks!
There are a million mosquito tales we take to the outdoors with us. We know that they are heat seekers and the warmer we are the hotter the target. Don’t wear anything sweet smelling, don’t eat bananas, avoid lactic acid products, avoid beer and stinky cheese, spray doorways with Listerine, and now you should wash your feet and change your socks! There is a multitude of bacteria that live on the human body and produces odors. These odors are attractants or signals that help guide mosquitoes to their prey. The stinkier you are, the more you attract! For some of us, stinky feet are just a part of who we are. Your Hygiene may be pristine but for some reason you can’t knock that stink off your socks and shoes!!! For those of us with the stink on, is there anything we can do to curve the mosquitoes away?
The odor we all smell and dread is actually coming from bacteria. Bacteria love warm, moist, dark places. A sweaty shoe is paradise. The best way to fight the bacteria is to fight the sweat. There are a number of anti-perspirants available for the feet. Socks can also make a big difference in foot odor. 100% cotton is not recommended. You should look for a sock that has a combination of materials. Cotton absorbs sweat fast, but it also dries very slow and you will stay saturated and stinky longer.
Stinky feet are just another attractant to those vampire bugs and I am beginning to think they are attracted to EVERYTHING! If you do venture out, the best way to stay bitten free and feet happy is too stay covered. As much as we want to show off our sassy toes, it is best to cover the feet up on the cool nights and avoid the mosquito bite. Diabetics should be extra careful because a bite leads to scratching, scratching leads to abrasions, and abrasions lead to sites at risk for an infection. If you do get bit, use anti-itch cream or topical steroids to help you avoid the itch to scratch!
There are a million mosquito tales we take to the outdoors with us. We know that they are heat seekers and the warmer we are the hotter the target. Don’t wear anything sweet smelling, don’t eat bananas, avoid lactic acid products, avoid beer and stinky cheese, spray doorways with Listerine, and now you should wash your feet and change your socks! There is a multitude of bacteria that live on the human body and produces odors. These odors are attractants or signals that help guide mosquitoes to their prey. The stinkier you are, the more you attract! For some of us, stinky feet are just a part of who we are. Your Hygiene may be pristine but for some reason you can’t knock that stink off your socks and shoes!!! For those of us with the stink on, is there anything we can do to curve the mosquitoes away?
The odor we all smell and dread is actually coming from bacteria. Bacteria love warm, moist, dark places. A sweaty shoe is paradise. The best way to fight the bacteria is to fight the sweat. There are a number of anti-perspirants available for the feet. Socks can also make a big difference in foot odor. 100% cotton is not recommended. You should look for a sock that has a combination of materials. Cotton absorbs sweat fast, but it also dries very slow and you will stay saturated and stinky longer.
Stinky feet are just another attractant to those vampire bugs and I am beginning to think they are attracted to EVERYTHING! If you do venture out, the best way to stay bitten free and feet happy is too stay covered. As much as we want to show off our sassy toes, it is best to cover the feet up on the cool nights and avoid the mosquito bite. Diabetics should be extra careful because a bite leads to scratching, scratching leads to abrasions, and abrasions lead to sites at risk for an infection. If you do get bit, use anti-itch cream or topical steroids to help you avoid the itch to scratch!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Laser Treatment for Fungal Toenails: Treat the Entire Infection!
Laser Treatment for Fungus- Calling All Toenails!!!
I have been lasering toenails for quite some time now and only recently have come across more and more people wondering “Why not just laser the affected toenails? It would, after all, come out cheaper that way wouldn’t it?”
The simple answer is “No, not really.” But let me back this up so you can take my word for it.
Fungus is visible when the nail is grossly infected. What many do not realize, is that the process started long before you could see it with the naked eye. This alone is enough reason for the need to laser all ten toenails.
All too often I see patients who tell me that their nail fungus was only on one nail for the longest time. Then, all of a sudden, it has spread to others. Fungus is contagious! It does not just sit in one place. It gets in in your carpet, your bath mats, your shower tile. And worst of all, if you do have fungus, even in just one toenail, that fungus has already grossly contaminated your shoes! For your other nails there is no escape!
Think about how lasering only those affected nails singularly, ignoring all the others which are surely contaminated. How secure do you feel about that? If you had a bad cough and shortness of breath, how secure would you feel about going to a doctor who gave you cough medicine, but didn’t bother to listen to the pneumonia brewing in your lungs? Only treating the “visible” symptom, but not the underlying problem is a problem, whether it is lungs, nails or any other condition. Fungus brews until it has a large enough colony to “visibly” affect other nails or even a previously treated nail! What does that mean to the patient? It means more frequent trips to the podiatrist for yet another “spot” treatment. You will find, is that in the end, you will have coughed up (no pun intended!) what you should have to have all nails treated in the first place! Worse yet, the cycle may continue since only the nails with visible fungus are treated again! Who knows when it might end for you and how much time you will need to devote to these types of visits? Why take that chance?
What I do strongly believe, as do all the physicians at Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas (FAANT), is that if you are going to spend your valuable time and finances to have this procedure preformed, the least we can do is treat all your toenails at once. This will greatly increase the odds of success! One very effective treatment in one visit!
Another thing to consider is FDA approval. Only one type of fungus-treating laser in the U.S. is FDA approved. Fortunately, we have this laser at FAANT!! This is something that should give you extra piece of mind! You are getting what we know is safe and effective! All ten toenails and FDA approval is money well spent!
I have been lasering toenails for quite some time now and only recently have come across more and more people wondering “Why not just laser the affected toenails? It would, after all, come out cheaper that way wouldn’t it?”
The simple answer is “No, not really.” But let me back this up so you can take my word for it.
Fungus is visible when the nail is grossly infected. What many do not realize, is that the process started long before you could see it with the naked eye. This alone is enough reason for the need to laser all ten toenails.
All too often I see patients who tell me that their nail fungus was only on one nail for the longest time. Then, all of a sudden, it has spread to others. Fungus is contagious! It does not just sit in one place. It gets in in your carpet, your bath mats, your shower tile. And worst of all, if you do have fungus, even in just one toenail, that fungus has already grossly contaminated your shoes! For your other nails there is no escape!
Think about how lasering only those affected nails singularly, ignoring all the others which are surely contaminated. How secure do you feel about that? If you had a bad cough and shortness of breath, how secure would you feel about going to a doctor who gave you cough medicine, but didn’t bother to listen to the pneumonia brewing in your lungs? Only treating the “visible” symptom, but not the underlying problem is a problem, whether it is lungs, nails or any other condition. Fungus brews until it has a large enough colony to “visibly” affect other nails or even a previously treated nail! What does that mean to the patient? It means more frequent trips to the podiatrist for yet another “spot” treatment. You will find, is that in the end, you will have coughed up (no pun intended!) what you should have to have all nails treated in the first place! Worse yet, the cycle may continue since only the nails with visible fungus are treated again! Who knows when it might end for you and how much time you will need to devote to these types of visits? Why take that chance?
What I do strongly believe, as do all the physicians at Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas (FAANT), is that if you are going to spend your valuable time and finances to have this procedure preformed, the least we can do is treat all your toenails at once. This will greatly increase the odds of success! One very effective treatment in one visit!
Another thing to consider is FDA approval. Only one type of fungus-treating laser in the U.S. is FDA approved. Fortunately, we have this laser at FAANT!! This is something that should give you extra piece of mind! You are getting what we know is safe and effective! All ten toenails and FDA approval is money well spent!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
New Treatment for Fungal Toenails
Yellow, thick, crumbly, and ugly toenails are hiding behind shoes. They smell a little funky, they look a little funny, and they drive your significant other into frenzy! Toenail fungus is extremely common. As a foot doctor, I see it every day. Over the last several years, treatment for nail fungus has been getting a lot of attention. There are topical options and oral options for treating the ugly toenails. In addition, there are newer treatments that are non-harmful and very effective. My patients are always very concerned about the treatments and how they will affect their body. So let us discuss the pros and cons of the popular oral treatment, Lamisil as well as the new treatments.
Why take a pill? There are many medications that can be applied directly to the nail but they are not always effective. If the fungus is only at the tip of the nail or less than half of the nail is infected, the topical treatments can work to eliminate the fungus. This can take up to 10 months and there is a high risk of recurrence. Once the fungus has infected the entire nail the topical agents are not strong enough to kill the fungus. The nail is too thick for the medication to penetrate to under the nail, where the fungus calls home. Taking oral medication works from the inside of your body to fight the fungus and research, and in my personal experiences, has proven the pills to be more effective.
How long until the fungus is gone? The oral medications, such as Lamisil, are taken for three months. It takes a nail ten to twelve months to grow out. Thus, after three months of treatment, your nail may still look a little funny. When the fungus lives under your nail, it causes damage to the nail and will make it turn yellow and thick. As new, healthy, and uninfected nail growth takes place the ugly portion with grow out and eventually be replaced. Many of my patients get nervous after three months of treatment when their nail doesn’t look normal yet. If the part of the nail that is closest to your body looks normal, then the treatment worked and the nail will start appearing more normal over the next several months.
Is Lamisil hard on my body? Lamisil, much like Tylenol and alcohol can cause damage to the liver. Luckily, the liver unlike most organs in our body can quickly and easily repair itself form minor damage. To ensure the medication is safe for the patient, blood work is done to check the patients liver function. If the patients liver enzymes do not come back normal, then the patient is never started on the medication. If the liver is healthy, as it is in most people, the patient is started on the oral medication and blood work is repeated again after six weeks of taking the medication. If there liver enzymes are still at normal levels, then no damage to the liver is taking place. If the enzymes levels are abnormal then the patient is taken off the medications. At this time, the damage is so minor that the liver easily repairs itself after the medication is discontinued. If the drug is managed correctly by your doctor, Lamisil can be safer than Tylenol on your liver!
NEW and SAFE TREATMENTS
If you suffer from these ugly looking nails, then our new combination of Keryflex/Laser treatment can be effective. Keryflex is a resin that has an anti-fungal in it. Our laser is the K-laser. This is a cost effective, safe and painless procedure. We perform the laser treatment for seven minutes per foot and then apply the Keryflex resin. We use one or two laser treatments and apply the resin once a month for five months. Your nails will look better immediately.
Lamisil works about 80 percent of the time which is the same efficacy as the Keryflex/Laser. Due to the lack of any side effects, I prefer to recommend the application of the resin and use of the laser over the Lamisil.
So, it is time to show your feet at the beaches and no more wearing socks to bed. Besides, your feet will love you for it.
Why take a pill? There are many medications that can be applied directly to the nail but they are not always effective. If the fungus is only at the tip of the nail or less than half of the nail is infected, the topical treatments can work to eliminate the fungus. This can take up to 10 months and there is a high risk of recurrence. Once the fungus has infected the entire nail the topical agents are not strong enough to kill the fungus. The nail is too thick for the medication to penetrate to under the nail, where the fungus calls home. Taking oral medication works from the inside of your body to fight the fungus and research, and in my personal experiences, has proven the pills to be more effective.
How long until the fungus is gone? The oral medications, such as Lamisil, are taken for three months. It takes a nail ten to twelve months to grow out. Thus, after three months of treatment, your nail may still look a little funny. When the fungus lives under your nail, it causes damage to the nail and will make it turn yellow and thick. As new, healthy, and uninfected nail growth takes place the ugly portion with grow out and eventually be replaced. Many of my patients get nervous after three months of treatment when their nail doesn’t look normal yet. If the part of the nail that is closest to your body looks normal, then the treatment worked and the nail will start appearing more normal over the next several months.
Is Lamisil hard on my body? Lamisil, much like Tylenol and alcohol can cause damage to the liver. Luckily, the liver unlike most organs in our body can quickly and easily repair itself form minor damage. To ensure the medication is safe for the patient, blood work is done to check the patients liver function. If the patients liver enzymes do not come back normal, then the patient is never started on the medication. If the liver is healthy, as it is in most people, the patient is started on the oral medication and blood work is repeated again after six weeks of taking the medication. If there liver enzymes are still at normal levels, then no damage to the liver is taking place. If the enzymes levels are abnormal then the patient is taken off the medications. At this time, the damage is so minor that the liver easily repairs itself after the medication is discontinued. If the drug is managed correctly by your doctor, Lamisil can be safer than Tylenol on your liver!
NEW and SAFE TREATMENTS
If you suffer from these ugly looking nails, then our new combination of Keryflex/Laser treatment can be effective. Keryflex is a resin that has an anti-fungal in it. Our laser is the K-laser. This is a cost effective, safe and painless procedure. We perform the laser treatment for seven minutes per foot and then apply the Keryflex resin. We use one or two laser treatments and apply the resin once a month for five months. Your nails will look better immediately.
Lamisil works about 80 percent of the time which is the same efficacy as the Keryflex/Laser. Due to the lack of any side effects, I prefer to recommend the application of the resin and use of the laser over the Lamisil.
So, it is time to show your feet at the beaches and no more wearing socks to bed. Besides, your feet will love you for it.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Toenail Fungus: The Getting, Going and Staying Gone.
Onychomycosis is the medical term for nail fungus and yes, you are not the only one hiding your ugly toenails. Over 6 million Americans suffer from toenail fungus and the number continues to grow more every year. Every day, I am faced with questions regarding oral treatment for toenail fungus, and there seems to be a lot of misunderstandings and myths. Do you know the truth about oral fungal treatments?
Truth or Myth? Oral treatments such as Lamisil damage your liver.
This can be true and false. Oral fungal medication does put your liver at an increase risk of damage, but when used properly the risk is minimal. For this reason, activities like consuming alcohol are prohibited while taking the medication because it intensifies the risk of liver damage. To prevent any damage from occurring, doctors will take blood work to determine your liver function before and during the course of your treatment. If any signs of risk are present, the treatment is discontinued and there are often no consequences once the treatment is halted.
Truth or Myth? You can NEVER have toenail fungus and athletes foot at the same time.
Myth. Toenail fungus and athlete’s foot are caused by the same fungus, thus it is very common to see both at the same time. Often, one will experience athlete’s foot first and then the fungus migrates to the toenails. It is thus very important to treat athlete’s foot aggressively and to use preventative medicine to keep the fungi off of your feet. I often suggest patients to use over the counter antifungal cream a couple times a week on their feet if they are prone to getting fungal infections.
Truth or Myth? Sweaty feet can cause toenail fungus.
True! Fungus loves warm moist environments. You’re gym sneakers are a 5 star resort for the family fungi vacation. If you have sweaty feet, you are creating a haven in your shoes and socks for fungus to multiply. A podiatrist can offer several treatments for excessive foot sweating and will help decrease the nasty growth from spreading. It is also suggested to change your socks twice a day and to alternate shoes so as to not wear the same pair two days in a row and thus allowing them to dry and air out.
Truth or Myth? If I take oral medication for toenail fungus, I’ll never have to worry about fungus again!
Myth. The fungus that grows under our toenails also grows in our shoes, showers, floors, soil, and almost everywhere you walk. Thus, reoccurrence after the oral medication can be very common. It is important to take preventative measures to keep fungus out of your toenails! There are a number of products that kill fungus in your shoes and on your feet. Using these products weekly after your toenail fungus is gone can help decrease the risk of seeing those ugly toenails.
Truth or Myth? Oral treatment is the only way to get rid of Toenail fungus?
Myth? If the entire nail is infected, there are very few treatment options and oral medication has the most documented success. But recently, there have been some breakthrough treatments that have become very popular. There are several types of lasers that are on the market that are showing good signs to eliminate the fungus. In addition, there is a product called Keryflex that not only improves the aesthetics immediately but has been to cure it as well. This product is a topical that is applied by your podiatrist and requires 4-5 treatments every 6-8 weeks. Keryflex is a simple procedure that is painless and about a tenth of the cost of most laser treatments. See a video on how Keryflex is applied.
Truth or Myth? Oral treatments such as Lamisil damage your liver.
This can be true and false. Oral fungal medication does put your liver at an increase risk of damage, but when used properly the risk is minimal. For this reason, activities like consuming alcohol are prohibited while taking the medication because it intensifies the risk of liver damage. To prevent any damage from occurring, doctors will take blood work to determine your liver function before and during the course of your treatment. If any signs of risk are present, the treatment is discontinued and there are often no consequences once the treatment is halted.
Truth or Myth? You can NEVER have toenail fungus and athletes foot at the same time.
Myth. Toenail fungus and athlete’s foot are caused by the same fungus, thus it is very common to see both at the same time. Often, one will experience athlete’s foot first and then the fungus migrates to the toenails. It is thus very important to treat athlete’s foot aggressively and to use preventative medicine to keep the fungi off of your feet. I often suggest patients to use over the counter antifungal cream a couple times a week on their feet if they are prone to getting fungal infections.
Truth or Myth? Sweaty feet can cause toenail fungus.
True! Fungus loves warm moist environments. You’re gym sneakers are a 5 star resort for the family fungi vacation. If you have sweaty feet, you are creating a haven in your shoes and socks for fungus to multiply. A podiatrist can offer several treatments for excessive foot sweating and will help decrease the nasty growth from spreading. It is also suggested to change your socks twice a day and to alternate shoes so as to not wear the same pair two days in a row and thus allowing them to dry and air out.
Truth or Myth? If I take oral medication for toenail fungus, I’ll never have to worry about fungus again!
Myth. The fungus that grows under our toenails also grows in our shoes, showers, floors, soil, and almost everywhere you walk. Thus, reoccurrence after the oral medication can be very common. It is important to take preventative measures to keep fungus out of your toenails! There are a number of products that kill fungus in your shoes and on your feet. Using these products weekly after your toenail fungus is gone can help decrease the risk of seeing those ugly toenails.
Truth or Myth? Oral treatment is the only way to get rid of Toenail fungus?
Myth? If the entire nail is infected, there are very few treatment options and oral medication has the most documented success. But recently, there have been some breakthrough treatments that have become very popular. There are several types of lasers that are on the market that are showing good signs to eliminate the fungus. In addition, there is a product called Keryflex that not only improves the aesthetics immediately but has been to cure it as well. This product is a topical that is applied by your podiatrist and requires 4-5 treatments every 6-8 weeks. Keryflex is a simple procedure that is painless and about a tenth of the cost of most laser treatments. See a video on how Keryflex is applied.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Treating my toenail fungus…what about all my shoes?
In a recent blog by Dr. Crane, we learned about the new exciting technology of laser treatment for toenail fungus. A lot of patients inquire on what they can do to save their shoes. Afterall, it’s pretty common we have “multiple, can’t be without, spent a lot of money and hardly worn” shoes in our closet.
The answer to treating your shoes is easier than you think. Shoe sterilizers are on the market and at Healthy Steps, we are pleased to offer the best shoe sterilizer on the market.
Introducing Sterishoe. Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, it looks like a shoe stretcher and is available based on your shoe size. The device contains a germicidal ultraviolet light (UVC). This technology is well known to hospitals and water treatment systems. UVC is clinically proven to destroy microorganisms. The Sterishoe is the first ultraviolet shoe sanitizer that utilizes UVC inside a shoe.
How does it work? It’s simple. You insert the SteriShoe into your shoe. As slight compression is applied, the treatment begins as the UVC rays are activated. If compression is reduced, the light automatically turns off.
Since UVC can be harmful if you look at it too long or hold it close to your skin, Sterishoe provides two important safety measures to protect you. A compression sensor and an ambient light sensor. This way, if the shoe sanitizer is removed from the shoe, the compression sensor will automatically turn off the power to the lamp.
To treat open toe shoes or sandals, there are two shoe bags that are provided. If the ambiant light sensor detects too much light, the sanitizer will turn off automatically.
The sanitizer should be applied after wearing the shoes. This way, microorganisms are erradicated and you have healthy feet!
For more information regarding Sterishoe, contact contactus@faant.com or go to Healthy Steps for more information.
The answer to treating your shoes is easier than you think. Shoe sterilizers are on the market and at Healthy Steps, we are pleased to offer the best shoe sterilizer on the market.
Introducing Sterishoe. Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, it looks like a shoe stretcher and is available based on your shoe size. The device contains a germicidal ultraviolet light (UVC). This technology is well known to hospitals and water treatment systems. UVC is clinically proven to destroy microorganisms. The Sterishoe is the first ultraviolet shoe sanitizer that utilizes UVC inside a shoe.
How does it work? It’s simple. You insert the SteriShoe into your shoe. As slight compression is applied, the treatment begins as the UVC rays are activated. If compression is reduced, the light automatically turns off.
Since UVC can be harmful if you look at it too long or hold it close to your skin, Sterishoe provides two important safety measures to protect you. A compression sensor and an ambient light sensor. This way, if the shoe sanitizer is removed from the shoe, the compression sensor will automatically turn off the power to the lamp.
To treat open toe shoes or sandals, there are two shoe bags that are provided. If the ambiant light sensor detects too much light, the sanitizer will turn off automatically.
The sanitizer should be applied after wearing the shoes. This way, microorganisms are erradicated and you have healthy feet!
For more information regarding Sterishoe, contact contactus@faant.com or go to Healthy Steps for more information.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Ugly Toenails Linked With Depression! New Treatments Are Available!
Many people suffer from a common problem: ugly, thick toenails. Often this is caused by onychomycosis, a fungal infection in the nails. Most people actually feel this is simply a minor cosmetic problem and really do not classify this as a disease. Reality is that onychomycosis can actually be a devastating problem for many people. In fact, a recent study has linked onychomycosis with depression in otherwise healthy patients.
Onychomycosis, over a period of time, makes your nails yellow, thick and often extremely disfigured. This is embarrassing and many people hide their toes in closed in shoes due to the disfigurement. Many people will even wear sneakers to the beach to avoid showing their toenails. Surveys have shown a lack of intimacy, decreased feelings of self-worth and depression associated with onychomycosis. With almost 30% of the adult population suffering from toenail fungus, and this number increasing to almost 90% in the elderly, why do most people feel it is just cosmetic? Because it hasn’t happened to them yet!
There is hope for people who suffer from toenail fungus. Traditional topical and oral therapies have been less successful than patient expectations. Lots of unhappy people with sever frustration!
Topical therapies patients have tried encompass a wide variety of products and folklore including the use of Vick’s Vaporub, organic cornmeal soaks, and a variety of over-the-counter products. Even the only FDA approved prescription topical, ciclopirox, is shown to be only 8% effective in their own package insert! Imagine painting your toenail with a topical therapy for over a year, every day, and still having ugly toenails!
After failure of topical therapy, most people discuss oral anti-fungals with their doctors. Common oral therapies include terbinafine, fluconazole, and itraconazole. These are more effective than any topical, but come with possible side effects including many drug interactions and liver problems. They are touted as somewhere between 50 and 70% effective depending on dosage and duration of therapy. Many people after taking these medications still have ugly toenails! More frustration!
Hope has recently increased for patients who have struggled with chronic onychomycosis. New laser therapy for onychomycosis is the most exciting treatment now available. A pulsed UVA laser has been shown in preliminary studies to eradicate much of the fungus and often clearing is seen in 9 to 12 months. This therapy is not widely available, but has been shown to be around 80% effective in these early studies. The FDA is still reviewing the Patholase laser application for approval, but the treatment is available in limited areas as an “off-label” usage. The laser light is painless and only affects the infected tissue. Hope abounds!
Funky looking toenails can also occur from psoriasis, eczema and other nail pathologies. If you have thick, nasty looking toenails, a visit to your local podiatrist for a PAS (Periodic acid-Schiff) stain of a piece of your toenail will determine if you have a fungal infection. If you have a positive PAS stain, look into the new laser therapy before your toenails cause a lifestyle change! There is hope even if you have suffered from embarrassing toenails for years!
Onychomycosis, over a period of time, makes your nails yellow, thick and often extremely disfigured. This is embarrassing and many people hide their toes in closed in shoes due to the disfigurement. Many people will even wear sneakers to the beach to avoid showing their toenails. Surveys have shown a lack of intimacy, decreased feelings of self-worth and depression associated with onychomycosis. With almost 30% of the adult population suffering from toenail fungus, and this number increasing to almost 90% in the elderly, why do most people feel it is just cosmetic? Because it hasn’t happened to them yet!
There is hope for people who suffer from toenail fungus. Traditional topical and oral therapies have been less successful than patient expectations. Lots of unhappy people with sever frustration!
Topical therapies patients have tried encompass a wide variety of products and folklore including the use of Vick’s Vaporub, organic cornmeal soaks, and a variety of over-the-counter products. Even the only FDA approved prescription topical, ciclopirox, is shown to be only 8% effective in their own package insert! Imagine painting your toenail with a topical therapy for over a year, every day, and still having ugly toenails!
After failure of topical therapy, most people discuss oral anti-fungals with their doctors. Common oral therapies include terbinafine, fluconazole, and itraconazole. These are more effective than any topical, but come with possible side effects including many drug interactions and liver problems. They are touted as somewhere between 50 and 70% effective depending on dosage and duration of therapy. Many people after taking these medications still have ugly toenails! More frustration!
Hope has recently increased for patients who have struggled with chronic onychomycosis. New laser therapy for onychomycosis is the most exciting treatment now available. A pulsed UVA laser has been shown in preliminary studies to eradicate much of the fungus and often clearing is seen in 9 to 12 months. This therapy is not widely available, but has been shown to be around 80% effective in these early studies. The FDA is still reviewing the Patholase laser application for approval, but the treatment is available in limited areas as an “off-label” usage. The laser light is painless and only affects the infected tissue. Hope abounds!
Funky looking toenails can also occur from psoriasis, eczema and other nail pathologies. If you have thick, nasty looking toenails, a visit to your local podiatrist for a PAS (Periodic acid-Schiff) stain of a piece of your toenail will determine if you have a fungal infection. If you have a positive PAS stain, look into the new laser therapy before your toenails cause a lifestyle change! There is hope even if you have suffered from embarrassing toenails for years!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Deadly Pedicure?
With so many lawsuits connected to deaths, chronic infections and disfigurement from pedicures; you would think the public would be clamoring for reform. Just the opposite, most consumers completely blow off the risks and have the "it won't happen to me" attitude. Approximately $6 Billion dollars are spent on spa related nail care every year, making it a huge industry.
Unfortunately, along with that pretty pedicure you can take home: hepatitis, cutaneous herpes, warts, HIV, bacterial and fungal infections. These can be deadly, especially in the diabetic or immuno-compromised patient!
A 43-year-old San Jose, California woman's husband remembers the small cut on her toe that led to her death from a skin infection in 2004.
A 46-year-old Ft Worth, Texas mother left the pedicure salon with a small abrasion on her heel from a pumice stone in July 2005 and died of staph related illness in Feb 2006. Her family is still embroiled in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Texas, California, and Florida have taken a closer look at the cosmetology industry and have put stronger sanitation laws in place, but the consumer needs to be more aware of their risks and simple precautions!
You may never be 100% safe from infection when receiving a pedicure, but there are many simple precautions consumers can take to protect themselves.
1. What does the salon look like? If it's not clean and shiny like a doctor's office, don't stay! Cleanliness is next to godliness in the nail salon!
2. Check the photo on the license of the nail technician. Make sure they match.
3. Ask about sanitation procedures. Instruments should be autoclaved in a steam sterilizer just like surgical instruments. When in doubt, bring your own! There are lots of instrument sets available to purchase and clean yourself.
4. Is the spa chair pipe-less and cleaned after each pedicure? This is a new chair technology that is available to make you safer. Has the spa updated their old whirlpool chairs with this pipe-less technology?
5. Did the nail technician wash their hands after their last pedicure? Hand washing should be standard protocol and prevents spread of almost all pathogens including the common cold.
6. Is the nail technician wearing gloves? This is the only profession that handles sharp instruments putting the client and the technician at risk that OSHA does not require them to wear gloves. You wouldn't let a dental technician clean your teeth without gloves, would you?
7. Never let the technician use a sharp blade to trim a callus or cuticle. This puts you more at risk. If your calluses or heel fissures are that thick, please visit your podiatrist prior to the nail salon.
Nail salons are definitely improving their sanitation and trying to make you safer, but you must be a savvy consumer. The risk of infections from pedicures can be virtually eliminated if the operator used autoclaved or disposable instruments, used a pipe-less pedicure spa chair, wore gloves, employees washed their hands, and used proper sterilization techniques. Demand a safe pedicure or you and your family may be sorry!
Unfortunately, along with that pretty pedicure you can take home: hepatitis, cutaneous herpes, warts, HIV, bacterial and fungal infections. These can be deadly, especially in the diabetic or immuno-compromised patient!
A 43-year-old San Jose, California woman's husband remembers the small cut on her toe that led to her death from a skin infection in 2004.
A 46-year-old Ft Worth, Texas mother left the pedicure salon with a small abrasion on her heel from a pumice stone in July 2005 and died of staph related illness in Feb 2006. Her family is still embroiled in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Texas, California, and Florida have taken a closer look at the cosmetology industry and have put stronger sanitation laws in place, but the consumer needs to be more aware of their risks and simple precautions!
You may never be 100% safe from infection when receiving a pedicure, but there are many simple precautions consumers can take to protect themselves.
1. What does the salon look like? If it's not clean and shiny like a doctor's office, don't stay! Cleanliness is next to godliness in the nail salon!
2. Check the photo on the license of the nail technician. Make sure they match.
3. Ask about sanitation procedures. Instruments should be autoclaved in a steam sterilizer just like surgical instruments. When in doubt, bring your own! There are lots of instrument sets available to purchase and clean yourself.
4. Is the spa chair pipe-less and cleaned after each pedicure? This is a new chair technology that is available to make you safer. Has the spa updated their old whirlpool chairs with this pipe-less technology?
5. Did the nail technician wash their hands after their last pedicure? Hand washing should be standard protocol and prevents spread of almost all pathogens including the common cold.
6. Is the nail technician wearing gloves? This is the only profession that handles sharp instruments putting the client and the technician at risk that OSHA does not require them to wear gloves. You wouldn't let a dental technician clean your teeth without gloves, would you?
7. Never let the technician use a sharp blade to trim a callus or cuticle. This puts you more at risk. If your calluses or heel fissures are that thick, please visit your podiatrist prior to the nail salon.
Nail salons are definitely improving their sanitation and trying to make you safer, but you must be a savvy consumer. The risk of infections from pedicures can be virtually eliminated if the operator used autoclaved or disposable instruments, used a pipe-less pedicure spa chair, wore gloves, employees washed their hands, and used proper sterilization techniques. Demand a safe pedicure or you and your family may be sorry!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Toenail Laser Therapy on the News!
Toenail Fungus Laser on Good Morning America!
see the video by clicking here
Discusses the new PinPonte Laser therapy available at Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas after May 1, 2009!
see the video by clicking here
Discusses the new PinPonte Laser therapy available at Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas after May 1, 2009!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Killer Nail Polish?
We are always warning the public about safe pedicure practices, but have you thought about what's in your nail polish?
Reading labels is not just for the grocery store! Did you know that the chemicals in nail polish are potentially hazardous for your health? The immense variety of nail lacquers and polishes make it hard to choose the perfect product! Whether you want to strengthen brittle nails, lengthen short nails, or just add a little color to your fingers and toes – there is a vast arsenal of products in an infinite palate of hues to satisfy every fancy. However, do not be fooled by the seemingly innocent contents of that small, brightly colored bottle. Read the labels!
The dangers of nail polish are directly correlated with the chemicals used in their manufacture. Most nail polishes are chock full of a variety of harmful substances. The major toxic compounds that you need to watch out for are toluene and dibutyl phthalate.
Toluene is a clear fluid that is a component of many products: gasoline, paints, shoe polish, and even explosives! This compound allows t the nail polish to stay in its liquid form in the bottle and is responsible for the rapid drying of the nail polish when on your nails. Toluene is bad for your health because it affects your nervous system causing nausea, headaches, and depression. In addition, toluene induces kidney and liver damage as well as eye, nose and throat irritation. It has even been implicated in the development of cancer!
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a chemical that is used as a binder to improve the endurance of nail polish when applied to your nails. This is the substance that allows plastic ware its flexible properties. Women of child-bearing age are being asked to avoid DBP because it has been linked to cancer in laboratory rats and the disruption of hormone levels in humans. In addition, this compound may play a role in childhood asthma, lasting fertility problems in newborn boys, and liver toxicity.
Besides toluene and DBP, compounds such as ethyl alcohol, formaldehyde, and glycol ethers are potential toxins found in nail polish as well! Why are these chemicals so bad?
Ethyl alcohol – irritant of mucous membranes and suppresses the activity of the central nervous system
Formaldehyde – neurotoxin that has produced cancer in certain laboratory rats
Glycol ethers – substance that has been associated with birth defects in animals, lower sperm counts in human males whose mothers were exposed to low levels, and higher than normal rates of miscarriage with increased exposure
Take the time to find a product that is DBP and toluene-free! There’s no point in taking an unnecessary risk just to keep those toes colorful!
Reading labels is not just for the grocery store! Did you know that the chemicals in nail polish are potentially hazardous for your health? The immense variety of nail lacquers and polishes make it hard to choose the perfect product! Whether you want to strengthen brittle nails, lengthen short nails, or just add a little color to your fingers and toes – there is a vast arsenal of products in an infinite palate of hues to satisfy every fancy. However, do not be fooled by the seemingly innocent contents of that small, brightly colored bottle. Read the labels!
The dangers of nail polish are directly correlated with the chemicals used in their manufacture. Most nail polishes are chock full of a variety of harmful substances. The major toxic compounds that you need to watch out for are toluene and dibutyl phthalate.
Toluene is a clear fluid that is a component of many products: gasoline, paints, shoe polish, and even explosives! This compound allows t the nail polish to stay in its liquid form in the bottle and is responsible for the rapid drying of the nail polish when on your nails. Toluene is bad for your health because it affects your nervous system causing nausea, headaches, and depression. In addition, toluene induces kidney and liver damage as well as eye, nose and throat irritation. It has even been implicated in the development of cancer!
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a chemical that is used as a binder to improve the endurance of nail polish when applied to your nails. This is the substance that allows plastic ware its flexible properties. Women of child-bearing age are being asked to avoid DBP because it has been linked to cancer in laboratory rats and the disruption of hormone levels in humans. In addition, this compound may play a role in childhood asthma, lasting fertility problems in newborn boys, and liver toxicity.
Besides toluene and DBP, compounds such as ethyl alcohol, formaldehyde, and glycol ethers are potential toxins found in nail polish as well! Why are these chemicals so bad?
Ethyl alcohol – irritant of mucous membranes and suppresses the activity of the central nervous system
Formaldehyde – neurotoxin that has produced cancer in certain laboratory rats
Glycol ethers – substance that has been associated with birth defects in animals, lower sperm counts in human males whose mothers were exposed to low levels, and higher than normal rates of miscarriage with increased exposure
Take the time to find a product that is DBP and toluene-free! There’s no point in taking an unnecessary risk just to keep those toes colorful!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
TOENAIL FUNGUS LASER TREATMENT
TREAT YOUR TOENAIL FUNGUS SAFELY AND PAINLESSLY
with the new PinPointe FootLaser
Coming in May to
Foot & Ankle Associates of North Texas LLP in Grapevine!
This new patented laser technology kills the pathogens that cause toenail fungus (Onychomycosis)
The gentle laser light works through the nail
No side effects
Does not harm the nail or skin
Painless-no anesthesia needed
Usually only one treatment required
Shoes and nail polish can be worn immediately after treatment
How does the laser work?
This patented laser is specially designed to shine through your toenail and destroy the specific pathogens embedded in and under your nail causing the infection. The FootLaser operates in the very tight spectrum of near infa red light. Unlike CO2 lasers of the past, this laser safely destroys the fungi, molds and bacteria that often cause onychomycosis.
Is this laser painful?
The gentle laser light beam has no effect on healthy tissue. There is no discomfort associated with the treatment during or after. This treatment does not harm or affect your activity in any way.
Does it really work?
In the first clinical study, earlier this year, 88% of the treated patients grew out a normal looking nail after one treatment. After the one treatment, the nail plate should grow out normally in 6-12 months if there is a healthy nail bed. This result is comparable to the success rate for the oral pill, Lamisil, which you take for three or four months with some risk of side effects. Additional information can be found at www.pinpointefootlaser.com
Is this treatment safe?
There are no age or health restrictions or limitations. In clinical studies there have been no adverse reactions, injuries, disabilities or known side effects. As you may know, the use of the medication available today for treatment of fungus toenails, carries with it possible systemic involvement (commonly the liver and kidney). This laser does not!
Does my insurance pay for this?
Because this treatment is considered aesthetic (cosmetic), health insurance plans do not cover this treatment. We accept major credit cards and personal checks or you may use your Flexible Spending Account from work. We also offer an interest free payment plan through Care Credit.
How Much Does It Cost?
The laser treatment is applied to all of the toenails on both feet, even the ones that appear uninfected. This reduces the chance of re-infection and takes about 30 minutes. There is an initial consultation with the doctor, which costs $50, to see if you are a candidate for the treatment. This is credited towards your procedure fee if you proceed with treatment. The treatment fee is $850. If the infection is resistant or has not responded with normal nail growth, the nails may need another laser treatment. This often occurs when all ten nails are severely infected. An additional treatment within the first six months is discounted to $450.
To make an appointment for your initial consultation, call (817)416-6155 or contactus@faant.com
with the new PinPointe FootLaser
Coming in May to
Foot & Ankle Associates of North Texas LLP in Grapevine!
This new patented laser technology kills the pathogens that cause toenail fungus (Onychomycosis)
The gentle laser light works through the nail
No side effects
Does not harm the nail or skin
Painless-no anesthesia needed
Usually only one treatment required
Shoes and nail polish can be worn immediately after treatment
How does the laser work?
This patented laser is specially designed to shine through your toenail and destroy the specific pathogens embedded in and under your nail causing the infection. The FootLaser operates in the very tight spectrum of near infa red light. Unlike CO2 lasers of the past, this laser safely destroys the fungi, molds and bacteria that often cause onychomycosis.
Is this laser painful?
The gentle laser light beam has no effect on healthy tissue. There is no discomfort associated with the treatment during or after. This treatment does not harm or affect your activity in any way.
Does it really work?
In the first clinical study, earlier this year, 88% of the treated patients grew out a normal looking nail after one treatment. After the one treatment, the nail plate should grow out normally in 6-12 months if there is a healthy nail bed. This result is comparable to the success rate for the oral pill, Lamisil, which you take for three or four months with some risk of side effects. Additional information can be found at www.pinpointefootlaser.com
Is this treatment safe?
There are no age or health restrictions or limitations. In clinical studies there have been no adverse reactions, injuries, disabilities or known side effects. As you may know, the use of the medication available today for treatment of fungus toenails, carries with it possible systemic involvement (commonly the liver and kidney). This laser does not!
Does my insurance pay for this?
Because this treatment is considered aesthetic (cosmetic), health insurance plans do not cover this treatment. We accept major credit cards and personal checks or you may use your Flexible Spending Account from work. We also offer an interest free payment plan through Care Credit.
How Much Does It Cost?
The laser treatment is applied to all of the toenails on both feet, even the ones that appear uninfected. This reduces the chance of re-infection and takes about 30 minutes. There is an initial consultation with the doctor, which costs $50, to see if you are a candidate for the treatment. This is credited towards your procedure fee if you proceed with treatment. The treatment fee is $850. If the infection is resistant or has not responded with normal nail growth, the nails may need another laser treatment. This often occurs when all ten nails are severely infected. An additional treatment within the first six months is discounted to $450.
To make an appointment for your initial consultation, call (817)416-6155 or contactus@faant.com
Thursday, March 19, 2009
A Safe Pedicure
You have been in your heels all day and you begin to daydream about you pedicurist. How great it would be to escape the kids, the hustle and bustle, and get your feet pampered. But it may cost you. Did you know that you may be on pedicure away from a nasty infection or even death! No, I am not exaggerating. In Texas, a young woman was cut by a pumice stone. The open wound got infected by bacteria lurking in the whirlpool. After 6 months of fighting off the chronic wound, the women contracted mrsa and this nasty infection caused her death. This could never happen at your salon right? Think again. You are at risk of getting a nasty infection at almost any salon. Here are some helpful hints to keep your feet safe but still pretty.
1) Ask Critical Questions!
Have you ever asked your pedicurist how they clean their tools or the foot spa. Take a look at the spa chair. Is it stainless steel? Are they cleaning the chairs in between customers? Does the spa treat customers with foot infections, nail fungus, or athlete’s foot? I am guessing you never thought to ask any of these questions. I am sorry to inform you that you will not like the answers.
2) Cleaned tools are disinfected tools
Most states only regulate tools to be sanitized. Though this has antibacterial properties, the only way to be sure that there are no bacteria or fungus is to disinfect the tools by an autoclave. Why you ask? When sanitizing, you are simply placing the tools into a solution. How do you know they were put into the solution for a long enough time? You don’t. You have to trust that they were properly sanitized. Yes just trust there is nothing nasty growing on that nail clipper. With an autoclave, markers are used that change color when the tool was properly disinfected at a high enough temperature for an appropriate amount of time. An easy way to avoid this controversy is to invest in your own set of tools to bring with you to the pedicurist. This will ensure that your nail clipper doesn’t have your neighbor’s nail fungus tucked into the hinge.
3) Find a spa that uses stainless steel spa chairs.
There have been several bacterial outbreaks that have been traced back to a spa. The cause is a mycobacterium that thrives in the plastic piping and filter of a pedicure chair. Fungus in the pipes! Gross! Many chair spas are made out of fiberglass which is very difficult to properly clean without damaging. The plastic piping is a haven due to its inability to never completely drain. This leads to cross contamination. You are basically putting your feet in water used by the customer before you, before them, before the one before and so on. The ideal pedicure chair should be stainless steel which is much easier to clean. It is also important for the chair to be pipeless to ensure you are not sharing the same water with every foot that has ever stepped in for a soaking.
4) Does your spa treat customers with foot infections, nail fungus, foot fungus?
Nasty stinky, fungus growing demands! When I say nail fungus, many of us think of an old man with thick nasty looking nails. You may be unaware that nail fungus infects woman of all ages just as prominently as men. Are they at your spa? A pedicurist should not be treating infected feet due to the high risk of cross contamination. They are strongly advised to refer the customer to a podiatric physician before working on their feet. None of this is regulated so your spa may be pumicing bacteria and fungus and putting you at high risk!
5) Avoid fake nails and nail polish
Fake nails are a haven for bacteria and fungus. What nail technicians refer to as fake nail greening is actually a pseudomonas bacteria infection. Your cuticle is your body’s natural defense system against infection. During a nail “workup” they push, damage, and remove your cuticle giving bacteria an open door to your into your body! Nail polish can also trap bacteria, but more importantly, you are unable to notice changes in your nail or under your nail due to the polish over coating. Changes in your nail or nail bed are signs of infections and should be attended to immediately. If you can’t resist the Hot Pink nails, try an antibacterial nail polish. Many podiatric physicians provide this in their office or on their websites.
6) Find a Podiatry Approved Nail Spa
Podiatric Physicians are more than just surgeon of the foot and ankle. They are foot specialist. They can advise you with all o f your foot and ankle issues. They can even advise you on proper pedicures. Some podiatrists provide pedicures in their office! They are very well aware of the risks involved in pedicures and can recommend a spa and techniques that will assure your safety.
1) Ask Critical Questions!
Have you ever asked your pedicurist how they clean their tools or the foot spa. Take a look at the spa chair. Is it stainless steel? Are they cleaning the chairs in between customers? Does the spa treat customers with foot infections, nail fungus, or athlete’s foot? I am guessing you never thought to ask any of these questions. I am sorry to inform you that you will not like the answers.
2) Cleaned tools are disinfected tools
Most states only regulate tools to be sanitized. Though this has antibacterial properties, the only way to be sure that there are no bacteria or fungus is to disinfect the tools by an autoclave. Why you ask? When sanitizing, you are simply placing the tools into a solution. How do you know they were put into the solution for a long enough time? You don’t. You have to trust that they were properly sanitized. Yes just trust there is nothing nasty growing on that nail clipper. With an autoclave, markers are used that change color when the tool was properly disinfected at a high enough temperature for an appropriate amount of time. An easy way to avoid this controversy is to invest in your own set of tools to bring with you to the pedicurist. This will ensure that your nail clipper doesn’t have your neighbor’s nail fungus tucked into the hinge.
3) Find a spa that uses stainless steel spa chairs.
There have been several bacterial outbreaks that have been traced back to a spa. The cause is a mycobacterium that thrives in the plastic piping and filter of a pedicure chair. Fungus in the pipes! Gross! Many chair spas are made out of fiberglass which is very difficult to properly clean without damaging. The plastic piping is a haven due to its inability to never completely drain. This leads to cross contamination. You are basically putting your feet in water used by the customer before you, before them, before the one before and so on. The ideal pedicure chair should be stainless steel which is much easier to clean. It is also important for the chair to be pipeless to ensure you are not sharing the same water with every foot that has ever stepped in for a soaking.
4) Does your spa treat customers with foot infections, nail fungus, foot fungus?
Nasty stinky, fungus growing demands! When I say nail fungus, many of us think of an old man with thick nasty looking nails. You may be unaware that nail fungus infects woman of all ages just as prominently as men. Are they at your spa? A pedicurist should not be treating infected feet due to the high risk of cross contamination. They are strongly advised to refer the customer to a podiatric physician before working on their feet. None of this is regulated so your spa may be pumicing bacteria and fungus and putting you at high risk!
5) Avoid fake nails and nail polish
Fake nails are a haven for bacteria and fungus. What nail technicians refer to as fake nail greening is actually a pseudomonas bacteria infection. Your cuticle is your body’s natural defense system against infection. During a nail “workup” they push, damage, and remove your cuticle giving bacteria an open door to your into your body! Nail polish can also trap bacteria, but more importantly, you are unable to notice changes in your nail or under your nail due to the polish over coating. Changes in your nail or nail bed are signs of infections and should be attended to immediately. If you can’t resist the Hot Pink nails, try an antibacterial nail polish. Many podiatric physicians provide this in their office or on their websites.
6) Find a Podiatry Approved Nail Spa
Podiatric Physicians are more than just surgeon of the foot and ankle. They are foot specialist. They can advise you with all o f your foot and ankle issues. They can even advise you on proper pedicures. Some podiatrists provide pedicures in their office! They are very well aware of the risks involved in pedicures and can recommend a spa and techniques that will assure your safety.