Tinea Pedis, Shoe Bacteria +

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of the things I like about our smaller trade shows, is the ability to take some time to listen and talk with the attendees. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]My experience in Portland, Oregon last weekend brought up some topics I haven’t discussed in a while. Topics which are hugely important in our every day life. Not just in our Salons….in our homes as well.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]Tinea Pedis (fungus of the skin on our feet) is just one topic which came to the forefront. With this comes the question “are we transferring the bacteria from our feet to our shoes?”[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]In addition, a topic of great discussion right now is the question of offering soak free pedicures. I have found since Covid, many of our Technicians are either going on the road or pivoting to what they may consider a safer alternative.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]To first understand the topic, let’s understand the definition;[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1534802218178{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1437″ img_size=”500×500″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css_animation=”none”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]Other risk factors of contracting tinea pedis include:

• Occlusive footwear (heavy industrial boots)
• Hyperhidrosis  (Excessive sweating)
• Immodificiency or diabetes mellitus
• Immune suppressive medications
• Poor peripheral circulation or lymphoedema.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]Tinea pedis can present in 3 primary ways;

• Itchy erosions and/or scales between the toes, especially between 4^th and 5^th digits
• Scale covering the sole and sides of the feet (hyperkeratotic known as moccasin dryness)
• Small to medium-sized blisters, usually affecting the inner aspect of the foot. (also known as athlete’s feet)

It can also uncommonly cause oozing and ulceration between the toes as well.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]True “diagnosis” can only be determined through  skin scrapings, which are sent for microscopy.

Here we go again;

As licensed Technicians in the cosmetic world, we can NOT diagnose whether a client has tinea pedis or not. We can only present our Professional analyses based on our knowledge. We can determine if a client presents “indicative” of a tinea pedis and recommend at home care products accordingly.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]Bottom line;

It is my belief we have to assume everyone we come in contact with in our Pedicure room is indicative of a tinea pedis. Unless they live in a bubble and never take their shoes off, the chances are pretty darn high.

Therefore, it is our professional responsibility to make sure we are;

1. Practicing safe sanitizing protocols
2. Recommending at home care products to reduce the transfer of bacteria
3. Teaching our clients safe practices

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]To minimize recurrence of tinea pedis and what we should be teaching our clients;

• Dry feet and toes thoroughly after bathing or showering
• If wet tinea pedis (classic athletes feet) using a  foot powder once or twice daily is helpful
• If odor occurs from Tinea Pedis, using a foot spray is recommended
• Avoid wearing occlusive footwear for long periods
• Wear white cotton socks is recommended
• Thoroughly air dry shoes and boots (even if wearing socks)
• Clean the shower and bathroom floors regularly
• Treat shoes with an antifungal powder or spray

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]Treat shoes with an anitfungal spray or powder:

This last recommendation from above is something most people don’t think about often.

Flip flops, sandals, shoes, boots etc…..are all prone to cross contamination.

I can’t tell you how many times I have been informed by clients whom have experienced bad forms of tinea pedis, only to be cleared when they bought new shoes.

This can be costly, so like anything maintenance is the key.

Using a shoe spray with antifungal and/or antibacterial properties will not only save the longevity of your shoes, it will aid in minimizing the transfer of bacteria from one shoe to the next.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]Let’s think about this;

Bacteria can multiply every 20 minutes.

We have bacteria on our feet and in our shoe wear. What do you think happens as our shoes rest at night? The bacteria miraculously disappears? NO…it does not. We have to kill it.

Therefore, I have always recommended to purchase a shoe deodorant spray. Spray every pair of shoes in your repertoire (including flip-flops). Then, at the end of the day when you remove your foot wear, spray them prior to putting them away.

Centre For Beauty offers our Footlogix Shoe deodorant spray with tea tree. We also just took on our NEW LCN spray foot powder and it is my understanding a NEW LCN foot spray is coming soon.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]The last topic I would like to touch upon is offering soakless pedicures;

As I have shared with everyone who addressed this topic with me in Portland or ever….first and foremost, it is YOUR choice. There is NO specific reason why you should or you shouldn’t. Done properly, a soakless pedicure can be just as effective as a pedicure where we place our clients feet in a foot bowl.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]One of the many reasons our Technicians offer a soakless pedicure is if their client is diabetic. Diabetics CAN be soaked. However, it is imperative the water is not too hot AND the soaking time is kept to a minimum. In fact, these two aspects are beneficial for all, not just diabetics.

Let’s look at some pros and cons;

Soaking-pro’s

• Cleanses
• Begins the cuticle and callus softening
• Relaxing and soothing

Soaking-cons

• Possible infection
• Possible cross-contamination
• Time consuming

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]NON Soaking-pro’s

• Portable
• Saves time
• Can minimize cross contamination

NON Soaking-cons

• Clients don’t feel as pampered
• Must use efile and bits for effectiveness

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]I have been a recipient of both a waterless pedicure and a full soak pedicure. I have to say, I totally enjoy the full soak better.

Not that the dry pedicures I’ve received haven’t been beneficial or good. I personally like the relaxing time, I feel as though my feet are getting cleansed and I’m a bit skittish about having my toenails clipped and filed why dry. I find most Technicians clearly do not understand the proper way to do this.

On the other side, when I have received a dry pedicure, I find the time to be shorter and this is effective when on a time crunch.

And, with both procedures, the most important thing to me is proper cleaning and disinfection. I am always looking at these processes, regardless of where I go and what service is provided.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]Everyone will have a different take away from this article. What I want to make clear is don’t let someone else make the decision for you.

As with everything, be informed and educated on what you want to do. If you wish to pivot to dry pedicures…..go get a few. Feel it, experience it, learn from it. The same with a soaking pedicure.

Consider all aspects.

• What is your ultimate goal
• Who is your clientele
• What will YOU enjoy
• Can you grow from your processes

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]Whatever your situation may be I’m here if you need me. Visit our website and search our archives for Tinea Pedis and other topics you might find interesting.

And, if attending the Nail Tech Event of the Smokies, Utah Nail Expo or Premiere Orlando….be sure to come by our booth for a demo of the amazing foot care products we carry which, you can use wet…..or dry![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]

HAPPY PEDICURING

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2087″ title=”CJ MURRAY, President”][/vc_column][/vc_row]