Caution urged for pedicure patrons Caution urged for pedicure patrons (December 10, 2004)

No cases reported in Mountain View

Santa Clara County health officials are investigating the cleaning practices of seven nail salons after dozens of women complained they developed sores on their legs after getting pedicures.

There are currently no investigations going on at Mountain View salons, but county representatives are warning residents to be cautious nonetheless and see a doctor immediately if they develop open sores on their legs that won't heal. Health officials suspect the culprit is a bacteria called mycrobacteria, which causes what looks like an insect bite before quickly turning into oozing boils.

Phil Sacino, co-owner of the American Male Salon in Mountain View, said he is aware of the pedicure scare but isn't worried about it affecting his business.

"If you are having people coming in back-to-back, that is the problem. You just don't have any time to clean," Sacino said, noting that on a busy Saturday, the male salon will do between four and five pedicures.

County health officials aren't naming any of the salons under investigation, but county health spokesperson Teresa Chagoya said the one thing all the venues have in common is the use of whirlpool foot tubs, which might not be properly cleaned after each pedicure.

For more information or to report an outbreak, call the county health hotline at (408) 885-3980.
-- Julie O'Shea

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