Protect Yourself

Staph bacteria can live on your skin, and your hands generally carry the biggest concentration of germs on your body.  You can pick up or pass germs through contact with objects as well as other people.  If you then touch your eyes or any opening in your skin, such as a cut, scrape or shaving nick, you're giving those germs an easy path straight into your body. 

The most important thing you can do is practice good daily hygiene, and follow these suggestions:

•  Bathe or shower each day.  Staph and other germs build up on the skin - soap and water get rid of them.

•  Wash your hands often and thoroughly (at least 15 seconds) with soap and water.  This is the single best defense against germs and infections.  Use a paper towel to dry, and another to shut off the water and open the door to the restroom. If you're not near a basin and soap, carry and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or sanitary wipes.

 Do not shave your legs for 24 hours before a pedicure.  As mentioned above, small nicks that often happen while shaving can clear the way for any bacteria you might contact in a whirlpool or elsewhere. 

Skin Injuries
If you have an infection, a painful area, or a sore on your legs or feet, postpone the pedicure until the problem is gone.
With any cuts, scrapes, open wounds, or even cracks from overly dry skin, threat the wound by washing thoroughly, disinfecting with alcohol, and keeping it covered with a clean bandage until completely healed.  Repeat that process regularly, and remember to wash your hands before changing the bandage and after.   Throw away the old bandages and tape.Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.

Personal Items:
Do not share anything that can contact the skin directly. This includes such items as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, uniforms, or athletic equipment.
To repeat: Staph infections can spread through contact with objects and people.
Be especially careful with anything that may have had contact with an infected wound or bandage, whether on someone else's body or your own. After washing linens and clothes, it's best to use a dryer instead of hanging them out. 

Sports or Working Out
Staph and other germs thrive in warmth and moisture, which describes any sweaty body.

• • Always shower immediately after working out.
• • Always keep some barrier, such as clothing or a towel, between you and the gym equipment.
• •Wipe the surface of the equipment
• • Before and after using equipment, wipe the surfaces the body can contact with disinfectant on a towel.  Do this before and after using.
• • Do not walk barefoot in the club/gym, restroom or shower facilities (wear shower shoes).  This is especially true if you have a scrape or cut on your feet. 
• • Wash all gym clothes and towels right after using. 

Illness
If you have an infection or are not feeling well, postpone your pedicure and take a break from working out.  When ill, your immune system will be weakened, making you more likely to pick up an infection, and you may spread your illness to others.   Wait until you're feeling well or the wound has completely healed. 

Pre-existing Conditions
If you have any infection of the skin, the nails, or a blood-borne infection, DO NOT GO IN FOR SALON SERVICES.  You are putting others at risk.

If you have any serious underlying health problems, such as diabetes, poor circulation in feet or hands, a weakened immune system, or any chronic illness, DO NOT GO IN FOR SALON SERVICES.  You are putting yourself at risk. 

Sources:
Mayo Clinic
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention