A Podiatrist's Pedicure?

Dec. 27 -- Christine Witte likes getting pedicures, but she has reason to be particular about where she gets them.

"I actually had foot fungus in the past, and it was probably [from] going to an unsanitary place to get a pedicure," Witte said.

When she learned through her work contacts that she could get a pedicure overseen by a podiatrist in an office where specific sanitary practices are promised, she decided to give it a try.

The Foot & Hand Spa where she went is inside the podiatry office of Dr. Mitchell Waskin. Waskin, whose practice normally runs to treating ailments such as diabetes-related foot problems, sprains, hammertoes, or running-related plantar fasciitis, has started offering what he refers to as medical pedicures.

In a room set apart from the podiatry practice, clients can get a manicure or pedicure by licensed nail technicians like JoElla Hardee, who work under Waskin's supervision.

Medically supervised pedicures are not new, and some have questioned whether they are just a marketing gimmick. Waskin counters that there is reason for consumers to take notice of salon sanitation and that some customers in particular should be concerned.

"It applies to just about everyone," but especially to those with medical conditions, "especially people that are immunocompromised, such as people with diabetes, people with chemotherapy," Waskin said. "It really applies to anyone who is just in need of going to a facility to get a manicure or pedicure and [feeling] confident they are not going to potentially get an infection from it."