Pedicure dangers: Expert Q&A

Q: Which salon tools are supposed to be disinfected?

A: Salons are supposed to clean and disinfect ALL of the tools that have a non-porous surface between each client - Kay Kendrick, State Board of Cosmetology

Q: Are nail salons required to post scores like restaurants?

A: Yes -- Kay Kendrick, State Board of Cosmetology

Q: Where can I find my salon’s inspection report?

A: The inspection report must be posted right in the reception area. Posting it anywhere else is a violation. Sanitation rules must also be posted in the reception area -- Kay Kendrick, State Board of Cosmetology.

Q: I’m a diabetic. Is it safe for me to get a pedicure?

A: Diabetics are more prone to getting infections due to diabetes being an immunocompromised disease. As a diabetic, you're better off going to a podiatrist to get your feet done in a safer setting. If you're a diabetic whose sugars have always been well controlled, then, in that scenario, it's not particularly better one way or another – Dr. Sid Reddy, Piedmont Fayette Wound Care Center.

Q: Do you have a list of nail salons that you know are safe and use safe practices?

No but you can go into the salon and check for their inspection report or go online to the Secretary of State's website to verify a license -- Kay Kendrick, State Board of Cosmetology

Q: How do I search to see if my salon is licensed?

A: 1) Visit http://verify.sos.ga.gov/Verification/ 2) Click on "click here to search for a facility" 3) Under "license type," use the pull down to find "nail care salon." 4) Scroll through the results to see a list of every salon in the state and whether its license is active.

Q: I like the scraping tools. Since salons can’t use them, can I bring my own to the salon?  

A: It is absolutely forbidden by law to use anything that cuts, scrapes or degrades skin in the state of Georgia, even if you bring your own. You could create a blood pathogen that could open you up for infection. Callous scrapers are illegal in every state -- Kay Kendrick, State Board of Cosmetology

Q: How do I file a complaint against a salon?  

Fill out a complaint form and report it to the Secretary of State's office. It goes directly to the cosmetology board. We inspect every one of those reports -- Kay Kendrick, State Board of Cosmetology

Q: Is it safer to bring my own tools to the salon?

A: Bringing your own tools would depend on how clean you keep them. If you go to a salon that uses non-stainless steel or disposable tools, make sure they are using a new set every time – Dr. Sid Reddy, Piedmont Fayette Wound Care Center

Q: Is it okay for the technician to cut my cuticles?

A: We recommend they push them back or use a cuticle remover cream, rather than cut them -- Kay Kendrick, State Board of Cosmetology

Q: Is it bad to ask the salon to sanitize the tools while you’re there?

A: No, it's not. However, it takes 10-15 minutes between clients to clean and disinfect the tools and foot tub, but some won't take the time to do that because that lost time means less money -- Kay Kendrick, State Board of Cosmetology

Q: How can you insure a safe pedicure?

A: Three things. 1. Check for the inspection sheet. If you see any "no's," question what they are and ask about them. 2. Make sure the salon doesn’t do anything that cuts or degrades the skin. 3. Watch or ask questions about how they cleanse and sanitize their tools -- Kay Kendrick, State Board of Cosmetology

Q: Is it safer to get a pedicure in the morning, before the tools are used on other clients?

A:  That's not a necessary guarantee that they will be clean. If they're not cleaning them during the day, there's no way to know if they're cleaning them at night -- Kay Kendrick, State Board of Cosmetology

Q: My salon puts their tools in something that looks like a toaster oven. Doesn’t that sanitize them?

A: The toasters are only hot ovens and only dry the tools, they do not sanitize them – Kay Kendrick, State Board of Cosmetology.

Q: Is it better for the salon to use metal nail filers?

A: Yes, because a metal file can be sanitized and a paper file cannot. A paper file is supposed to be discarded after each use -- Kay Kendrick, State Board of Cosmetology

Q: My salon uses Saran Wrap as liners for the foot baths. Is that okay?

A: No, they can't use Saran Wrap but there are manufactured liners that can be used. The salon still needs to disinfect the lining of the tub that the material doesn't cover -- Kay Kendrick, State Board of Cosmetology.

Q: I heard not shaving before a pedicure reduces your risk of infection. Is that true?

A: Yes. If you shave your legs right before you get a pedicure you might get a micro abrasion that could create a portal for any kind of infection -- Dr. Sid Reddy, Podiatrist, Piedmont Fayette Wound Care Center

Q: What if I think I have an infection from a pedicure?

A: Visit your primary care physician or a podiatrist before it worsens – Dr. Sid Reddy, Piedmont Fayette Wound Care Center.

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