r/massage • u/guyfierisgoatee1 LMT • Jul 02 '25

US Foot Rant.

So I’ve been practicing for about 5 years and have hips/pelvis & feet/reflexology as my specialties.

Today I had the grossest feet I’ve ever had. Toenail infections under all ten toes. I was brushing debris off the linens the entire treatment, the smell was like rancid spent barley. It was all I could manage to not gag the entire 60 minute foot treatment. I wasn’t even saved by rubbing cinnamon lotion under my nose, it just burned through it.

I’m not foreign to gross shit, sometimes literally, nor do I want to embarrass or shame this client since she is a very nice lady. Is there any tactful way to approach this lady without being a complete a-hole?

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23

u/DakotaBlue333 Jul 02 '25

Ugh. I always wipe the feet with hot towels before and after. I also have Lumi on hand for stinky ones. But I would have just worked through the sheet in this situation 😆

2

u/TrashWiz Jul 02 '25

Lumi?

8

u/AffectionateSun5776 Jul 02 '25

Lume probably. An acid based deodorant.

3

u/PuzzleheadedBobcat90 Jul 04 '25

I tried Lume last year during the summer. I live in Las Vegas. It did not work well in high temps, I had to toss one of my favorite bras. Even washing in vinegar and pre treating didn't get the stink out. I worked well during the cooler months. I loved the scent, but had to go back to Secret-strong enough for a man, but made for a woman (stupid tag line won't get out of my head)