With the abundance of articles online written by inexperienced journalists, I felt compelled to immerse myself in the concept of blogging to provide accurate, first-hand insights. My name is Erika Allison, and I am an Advanced Nail Technician, Medical Nail Technician, and Wellness Nail Technician. I am also the proud owner of NuFeet Medical Pedicures®, where I have been delivering specialized medical pedicure services since 2013.
A medical pedicure is a waterless treatment designed to address foot health issues, such as fungal infections, with the collaborative involvement of a physician to ensure tailored care. This service upholds rigorous standards of sanitation and certification, prioritizing the overall health and well-being of the client. Before launching my own business, I worked alongside a podiatrist, where I gained invaluable experience treating various foot conditions. During this time, I administered laser treatments for toenail fungus and incorporated pedicure services into the treatment plan—though these were not yet referred to as medical pedicures.
The rising demand for medical pedicures can be attributed in part to social media and its power to highlight niche services through hashtags. In 2013, I created my business Instagram page and began using #medicalpedicure, which significantly increased awareness and brought a surge of clients seeking this specialized care. This experience underscored the crucial need for advanced, medically-oriented pedicure services.
It’s important to understand that a medical pedicure should not be performed by any nail technician holding only a standard state license. Additional certifications are essential, as they provide training on collaborating with physicians, identifying various foot conditions (without making diagnoses), mastering advanced pedicure techniques, and fostering clear communication with clients. The primary goal of a medical pedicure is to improve foot health and address specific concerns—not simply to enhance aesthetics. These treatments should be conducted in a private setting, using sterilized tools, a debris collector, and performed by a qualified medical pedicurist.
While many certifications exist to support this specialized field, they are considered advanced credentials, supplementing a state nail technician license. Introduced in 2012, these certifications are relatively new to the beauty industry, and it will take time for state regulations to align with these evolving standards. My journey revealed that advising clients to consult a physician was not enough. I realized the importance of offering holistic, comprehensive support throughout the entire process, which ultimately inspired me to develop my own approach to medical pedicures.
I offer an online program to become a NuFeet's Medical Pedicurist and you can find more about the program by clicking here.
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