May 25, 2006—For Immediate Release
Warm weather means sandals, pedicures, and possibly infections
OLYMPIA—The warm weather has ushered in sandal season, which means more and more people will be hitting the salon for a pedicure to get their feet in shape. The Department of Licensing would like to remind consumers to choose their salons carefully and pay special attention if their pedicure will include the use of a whirlpool footspa.
Between the warm pools of water and the parade of people coming in and out, whirlpool footspas can breed bacteria if not properly cleaned and maintained. And even in the cleanest of salons, infections are possible if a client uses a whirlpool footspa with just a tiny cut or scrape on their feet or legs.
While this hasn’t yet been a serious problem in Washington State, other states have reported large outbreaks of skin infections that came from footspas that were not properly cleaned.
“People need to realize they have the right to walk out of a salon if they see or hear something that makes them feel uncomfortable,” Director of Licensing Liz Luce said. “Having a pedicure shouldn’t be a gamble with your health.”
The department inspects salons biannually and has been focusing attention on proper cleaning and sanitizing of whirlpool footspas. During these inspections, Licensing officials request demonstrations of how the salons clean and disinfect their footspas and work to correct poor practices.
Luce said consumers should follow these guidelines when visiting a salon:
- Make sure the salon and operator are licensed and take a look around to ensure the facility is clean.
- Ask the operator about the cleaning procedure for their footspas.
- Don’t get a pedicure with freshly shaven legs, or with any cuts, nicks or lesions.
Pedicures and footspas can be a wonderful experience if salons are properly cleaning and disinfecting their equipment. Consumers have the right to know the dangers that could affect them and to know what questions to ask. Anyone who has concerns about whether or not a salon is licensed can go to the department’s website at dol.wa.gov. Consumers can file a complaint by calling (360) 664-6645.