Monkeypox, also known as mpox , is a viral disease that can pose a particular risk to healthcare professionals, including podiatrists. Although transmission of this virus occurs primarily through direct contact with broken skin or through respiratory droplets during close contact, the setting of a podiatry office can provide conditions conducive to possible contamination. This article examines the specific risks that podiatrists may face and offers strategies to best protect themselves while ensuring patient safety.
Specific risks in a podiatry practice
The work of a chiropodist-podiatrist involves direct and prolonged contact with the feet and legs of patients, who may have skin lesions, rashes or other signs of infection. In the context of monkeypox, the risks are increased in the following situations:
- Direct contact with skin lesions: Monkeypox often manifests as rashes that may be present on the feet or legs. Working directly on these areas exposes the chiropodist to the risk of contamination if proper precautions are not taken.
- Handling potentially contaminated objects: Instruments used for podiatric care, as well as work surfaces, can become transmission vectors if disinfection protocols are not strictly followed.
- Proximity to the patient: Although transmission through the respiratory route is less common than through direct contact, it is important to protect yourself in closed environments such as an office where interactions are close.
How to protect yourself effectively
To reduce the risk of monkeypox transmission within the practice, it is crucial to adopt strict protective measures:
- Wearing Nitrile Gloves: Nitrile gloves provide effective protection against direct contact with infected lesions. They should be changed between patients and disposed of properly to avoid cross-contamination.
- Wearing an FFP2 mask: Although monkeypox does not spread easily through the air, wearing an FFP2 mask is recommended to prevent transmission via respiratory droplets, especially during long procedures or in poorly ventilated spaces.
- Rigorous disinfection of instruments: All reusable instruments must be sterilized between each use. Work surfaces, chairs and any other equipment that has been in contact with a patient must be disinfected after each consultation.
- Eye Protection: The use of goggles or a face shield is recommended to prevent accidental splashes of infected body fluids.
- Medical Waste Management: Ensure that gloves, masks, and other single-use materials are disposed of in appropriate infectious waste containers.
- Hand hygiene: Regular hand washing with soap and water, or the use of hydroalcoholic solutions, is essential before and after each contact with a patient or potentially contaminated surfaces.
Podiatrists must be particularly vigilant about the risks of monkeypox, due to the nature of their work involving direct contact with patients' skin. By following personal protection recommendations and strengthening hygiene measures within the practice, it is possible to minimize the risks of transmission while continuing to provide quality care. The safety of patients and staff is paramount, and this requires unwavering rigor in the application of health protocols.
For more information on suitable protective equipment, discover our selection on our website and equip your practice with the best solutions to protect your health and that of your patients.
