The Perils of Pedicures - How To Keep Your Toes Safe From A Foot Doctor

Some of the reasons men and women get pedicures can be cosmetic, therapeutic or medical. They can be effective way to help people properly take care of their feet and maintain good foot hygiene. Pedicures can enhance the appearance of toenails but that might come at a bigger expense than expected.

Although people want to make their toenails look attractive, it is important to take precautions to help protect from damage or infections. Here are some helpful tips on how to protect your feet from infection, at home or in a salon:

-Be sure that reusable instrumentshave been steam sterilized or submersed in disinfectant between use. Items that should not be reused include nail files, orangewood sticks and buffing tools. If there is any concern about the sanitization of the instruments, there is nothing wrong with bringing in your own tools.

-People have a tendency to push the cuticle back too far so that the nail can be more exposed. But the cuticle should be left intact to avoid secondary infections.

-A good quality, straight edge nail clipper should be used because curved clippers promote nails to grow in curved fashion and can lead to an ingrown toenail.

-Whirlpool foot baths, if not cleaned properly, can contain microorganisms from either filtration systems or other patients. Schedule your appointment early in the day when tubs are cleanest.

-Don't shave your legs or get a pedicure if you have an open wound. Those openings provide access points for bacteria and or fungi to get straight into the blood.

-Insist that the technician should practice thorough hand washing before beginning your pedicure.

While nail polish is the finishing touch to many pedicures, this is not advised for people with fungal nails. Nail polish, acrylic gels and plastic nails contain many strong chemicals that can make the initial problem worse. These products do not allow moisture to escape or allow sunlight to penetrate to the nail. Since fungi flourishes in moist, dark areas covering the fungus promotes growth on the nail. An anti-fungal nail polish is an effective tool in preventing nail fungus in healthy nails.

Pedicures are a good way to encourage good foot hygiene and pamper the feet for the hard work they do every day. When seeking a pedicure, please take precautions to help protect from damage or infections. We want to be sure that our patients have the pretty feet they want but are healthy too. Healthy feet are happy feet.

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com