Pedicures are a great way to relax and get some confidence. However, it is important to make sure your pedicure is safe. Try our kit, available through our online store, and check out these tips from the American Podiatric Medical Association.
DO
morning. Salon foot baths are typically cleanest earlier in the day. If you’re not a morning person, make sure that the salon filters and cleans the
foot bath between clients.
Be sure that you schedule your pedicure first thing in the DO bring your own pedicure utensils to the salon. Bacteria and fungus can move easily from one person to the next if the salon doesn’t use proper sterilization techniques. *APMA Podiatrist Pick: SOS Safe Salon Pedicure Kit ($29.95) When eliminating thick, dead skin build-up, also known as calluses, on the heel, ball and sides of the feet,
exfoliating scrub. Soak feet in warm water for at least five minutes then use the stone, scrub or foot file to gently smooth calluses and other rough patches. DO use a pumice stone, foot file or *APMA Podiatrist Pick: Pedinol
Pharmacal’s Hydrisalic Gel ($21.95) When trimming nails, DO use a toenail clipper with a straight edge to ensure your toenail is cut straight across. Other tools like manicure scissors or fingernail clippers increase the risk of ingrown toenails because of their small, curved shape. See a podiatrist if you have a tendency to develop ingrown toenails. To s
File lightly in one direction without using too much pressure, being sure not to scrape the nail’s surface. mooth nail edges, DO use an emery board. DO
be able to see. gently run a wooden or rubber manicure stick under your nails to keep them clean. This helps remove the dirt and build-up you may or may not DO
your feet’s skin by applying emollient-enriched moisturizer to keep soles soft. maintain the proper moisture balance of *APMA Podiatrist Pick: AmLactin 12%
Moisturizing Lotion and Cream ($15.99) or
Bon Vital Foot Balm ($6.10)
DO
stick to gently push back cuticles.
If toenails are healthy,
using non-acetone nail polish remover.
Resist the urge and
If you are receiving a pedicure and manicure,
Although certain salons offer this technique, use a rubber cuticle pusher or manicure DO use nail polish to paint toenails. Make sure to remove polish regularly DON’T shave your legs before receiving a pedicure. Freshly shaven legs or small cuts on your legs may allow bacteria to enter. DON’T use the same tools for both services as bacteria and fungus can transfer between fingers and toes. DON’T allow technicians to use a foot razor to remove dead skin. Using a razor can result in permanent damage if used incorrectly and can easily cause infection if too much skin is removed. DON’T
This type of shape increases the chances
that painful ingrown toenails will develop.
Emery boards are extremely porous and can trap germs that spread. Since they can’t be sterilized, round the edges of your toenails. DON’T share nail files with friends and be sure to bring your own to the salon, unless you are sure that the salon replaces them with each customer. DON’T
Using anything sharp makes it easy to puncture
the skin, leaving it vulnerable to infection.
Be sure that you
between toes. Anything left behind can promote
the development of athlete’s foot or a fungal
infection.
Because cuticles serve as a protective barrier against bacteria,
If you suffer from thick and discolored toenails, which could be a sign of a fungal infection, use any sharp tools to clean under nails. DON’T leave any moisture DON’T ever cut them. Cutting cuticles increases the risk of infection. Also, avoid incessantly pushing back cuticles, as doing so can make them thicker. DON’T apply nail polish to cover up the problem. Nail polish locks out moisture and doesn’t allow the nail bed to "breathe." Once you fix the underlying issue, then it is safe to paint nails. If the problem persists be sure to visit your podiatrist.
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