Doctor Warns Of Pedicure Risk

Posted on: CBS Detroit News (WWJ-TV)

DETROIT (WWJ) - Pedicures are seen as the must have summer beauty treatment by many people, but not checking the cleanliness of your salon may lead to a MRSA bacterial infection.

Jeffrey Frederick, a podiatrist at NorthPointe Foot & Ankle in Berkley, said that a MRSA infection is far worse than a normal infection.

“We all have staff bacteria on our skin, but over the last few years this super bacteria has come to light and it makes the symptoms of a normal infection far worse,” said Frederick. “…  If you’ve gone for a pedicure and [see] some redness on the side of your nails it may be a MURSA infection …”

If you notice any of these symptoms you should talk to your doctor immediately.  Because MRSA is resistant to many penicillin antibiotics, the infection may be difficult to treat with standard antibiotics.

“You can’t just say go home and soak your toe and it’ll go away,” said Frederick.  “It needs to be managed with antibiotics appropriately that’ll kill the MRSA bacteria.”

The MRSA bacterium seems to be everywhere and the problem can be passed along by anyone sharing footwear or a bed.  The likelihood of contracting a MRSA infection is greater in a nail salon because of close contact with skin that may be carrying the MRSA bacterium.

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office in Las Vegas anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com.   The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging:  Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures.  In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries.  This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time.  Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery.  Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current State of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options).  Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!