Hello!
It has been a full year since I wrote Part One of Medical Nail Technician – Medical Pedicure and I am here to tell you things have changed, unfortunately it is not all for the better.
Last year I wrote Part One because I could clearly see where this issue was headed. I was not wrong.
There are nail technicians who have completed acceptable training to be able to perform “Advanced” Pedicure services. There are even more who have had absolutely no training yet are performing pedicure services calling them “Medical Pedicure” and people are being injured because many of these nail technicians have no idea know what they are doing.
Did you notice I said “Advanced” pedicure service?
There is a very good reason for that.
In the United States, there is no such thing as a “Medical Pedicure” performed by a nail technician.
The only professional who may claim this service title would be one who is a licensed medical professional and should they choose to, a foot care nurse who is also a licensed nail technician.
What do the experts say about this topic?
There are some in the medical field who like the idea of having a licensed nail technician working in their business if they have had “Advanced” training but they do not support the nail technician using the terms “Medical Nail Technician” nor “Medical Pedicure” no matter where they work.
I know a few podiatrists who have reported nail technicians to state board for using these terms and it seems California is starting to investigate licensed nail technicians for using them. I am not mad about this. It needs to happen.
The experts are very concerned for the consumer and the very real possibility of injury by one of these nail technicians.
What do the experts want YOU the consumer to know?
Below are a few things:
If you are one who needs help with your feet, see a podiatrist first.
Allow the podiatrist to do a thorough evaluation of your feet and diagnose what only they can because they are the actual doctor licensed to do so.
If you can-not see a podiatrist for one of any reasons, do NOT choose a random nail technician to help you. Look for an “Advanced” trained pedicurist and ask for proof of training before you allow them to touch your feet.
Do not allow a nail technician to work on your feet if there is an obvious infection. This sounds completely logical but, podiatrists are seeing more and more issues from nail technicians covering infected toenails with acrylic and gel.
Do not allow a nail technician to use sharp tools on you. Those who have diabetes often do not heal from cuts very well.
Do not allow the nail technician to lift the proximal fold. This could lead to infection and even worse.
Do not allow the nail technician to soak your feet in a pedicure tub for longer than 3-5 minutes.
Do not allow creams or lotions to be placed between your toes as this can cause skin breakdown which can lead to potential infection.
Do not allow anyone except a doctor to use a sharp blade to remove an ingrown toenail. This tool and technique is being used by nail technicians throughout the U.S.A and it most certainly is forbidden in every state.
Back to “my” input.
The fact is, the nail care industry took a very hard financial hit during C-19 and beyond.
Pedicures have become the most popular service for the nail technician to add to their service menu because they are fairly simple to do, many can be done in a day and they generate additional income. I think this is awesome however, not all are appropriately “Advanced” pedicure trained and others have no “Advanced” training whatsoever and YOU my friend are quite literally placing your life in the hands of someone who could cause you great harm.
“Medical Nail Technicians” doing “Medical Pedicures.” Do Not Be Fooled!
Remember…these are two terms reserved for those who have a medical license, not to be used by a nail technician. Medical services are outside of the SOP- Scope of Practice of every nail technician in the U.S.A.
In closing, look for Pedicurists who are “Advanced” trained or who have been trained by the experts, doctors, podiatrists.
For example, I have been trained by experts from around the globe. I am so qualified I could give myself quite the impressive “title” but I do not because I do NOT hold a license to do so. I am a licensed California Cosmetologist with “Advanced” training, nothing more. There are numerous certificates I hold and they simply show I have learned more about the feet, how to detect numerous potential problems of the feet, what I can work on, when to refer to a doctor, how to do specific techniques and product knowledge, they do NOT hold any other weight than that.
The bottom line is, do not allow a nail technician to work on your feet without checking out their qualifications and remember, nail technicians are not “Medical Nail Technicians” and they do not do “Medical Pedicures.” They most certainly may do “Advanced” pedicure services, specializing in specific techniques if these techniques are within their SOP – Scope of Practice.
I hope this is helping to clear-up a lot of issues surrounding this topic.
If you have any questions or need help, please email me at [email protected]
Best!
Lisa Ann