[Question #2820] Follow up

95 months ago

Hi, I’d like to extend on a particular subject in a comment I’ve posted in the past which I received feedback on. I was advised that the actions I would take dealing with a foot fetish are safe (from STIs, that is) whether it being skin-to-skin, oral-to-skin, or genital-to-skin. My question, what is the risk in going to foot fetish parties where these activities are done with multiple women consecutively (maybe simultaneously - but that probably wouldn’t matter I presume)? These women are with many other guys and on the same night. The main concern(s) I have at this point are the germs/bacteria on their feet either from typical exposure while walking in their shoes or otherwise but more importantly from the mouths of the other men meeting with these women immediately before me. The women do “sanitize” their feet after each session but I don’t want to depend on that. I’m not even sure if a quick wipe in a small window of time is sufficient to kill germs/bacteria even if I cleaned them myself right before but I don’t particularly like the taste of alcohol. Further, would the risk here be any higher versus doing these acts with my girlfriend (if I had one) and she sanitized with alcohol wipes right before or ideally soap? Lastly, for reassurance, could there be an indirect transfer of an oral STI from oral-to-skin (feet) activity if I use my mouth on the foot/toes of a woman who immediately had the same thing done by another man right before me (if the other man had an oral STI lets say)?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

95 months ago

Welcome back to our Forum. On this occasion I happened to pick up your new question. In preparing to comment I reviewed all of your earlier interactions with Dr. Handsfield and agree with all that he said. My comments today will focus on your current questions. There is no evidence nor any scientific basis to suggest that STIs might be transmitted through contact with a partners' feet. STIs are never transferred from person to person or site to site by moving genital secretions from one person to another by a person's feet )or hands). Thus, even if one of your partner's feet had been in contact with secretions from another STI infected person, there would be no risk to you from contact of any sort with that persons feet. This is true irrespective of whether your partner is your girlfriend or a stranger at a foot fetish party.

Please don't worry. I hope that my comments will help you to move forward. EWH

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95 months ago

Thank you Dr. Hook for your feedback.

What is the risk however concerning general-non STI bacteria/germs with the aforementioned activities? I understand it may be obvious that feet carry certain bacteria, etc. and “appropriate” sanitary precautions should be taken for someone like myself, especially in these situations. However, I have limited control over the cleanliness of ones feet during the parties where the estranged women have not just cleaned their feet from a shower and I am dealing with the germs from the mouths of others who are meeting with these women right before me. Would a mere alcohol wipe suffice? It seems easier for me to care for myself after the activities but not necessarily certain if the alcohol from mouthwash kills the bacteria. Is it that simple? Would I be naive in thinking my immune system can combat all of this?

When you mentioned secretions (with STIs), this applies to all secretions not necessarily genital (oral secretions for example) correct? If STIs are non-transferrable via fluid during kissing then it shouldn’t be transferred indirectly to me via the skin of feet/hands from someone’s mouth. Is this also the case if the other person before me had an oral outbreak? Is the reason why the hands or feet - irrespective of the amount of substance transferred – are unable to transfer STIs in secretions because the infectious substance dies airborne like HIV?

Thanks again.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

95 months ago

Mike. I think you are worrying entirely too much. the "certain bacteria" found on the feet are found elsewhere and do not normally cause infection due to casual contact, including the sorts of contacts that might be encountered at a foot fetish party. "Special" sanitary precautions are just not needed. I really not worry about germs spread in the situations you describe. If you feel the need to take special precautions this is up to you and I'm sure an alcohol wipe would be fine, albeit probably a bit of a turn off. Same is true with respect to mouthwash. Your body is quite resistant to infection and there is little risk from the sorts of contacts that might occur in the contact of a foot fetish party.

Yes, my comments regarding secretions was a general one and pertains to oral secretions as well. Even if the person before you had an outbreak of something like herpes. STIS are just not transferred through the mediation of the hands and feet.

I hope these comments are helpful. In general, I would consider the sorts of encounters that might occur as part of a foot fetish to represent safe sex. EWH

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94 months ago

This works for me. Thank you Dr. Hook.