Woman contracts foot infection after pedicure

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston woman says she contracted a foot infection after her routine pedicure.

Toni Gautreaux went on February 13 to get a pedicure the day before her son's wedding. Since then, she's been walking in a boot after getting the infection she believes started at the nail salon.

"It's a throbbing pain. Hard for me to walk. If I bump it against something it hurts even more," Gautreaux said.

She says the technician cut the side of her foot while using one of the buffing tools.

"Very frustrating when I go back and forth to the doctors, on antibiotics and I'm in a boot because I can't wear tennis shoes or clogs for work," she said.

Doctor Suneel Chilukuri of Refresh Dermatology says he's already seen two patients with nail issues who weren't even in his office initially for the problem.

"Unfortunately not all salons are as professional as we want them to be," Chilukuri said.

He says you should check licensing and complaints of the salon and to make sure they are cleaning the instruments and tubs.

"Don't know if I'll ever get a pedicure again to be on the safe side," Gautreaux added.