Tips to Healthy Summer Feet

Whether if you decide to do a pedicure at home or at the salon, here are some tips to follow to reduce your risk of foot-related infections:-

Dos

• Ideally, schedule your pedicure in the morning as salon foot baths are typically cleanest earlier in the day.
• 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.
• Use a pumice stone, foot file or exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin (aka calluses) on your feet.
• When trimming nails, use a toenail clipper with a straight edge to ensure your toenail is cut straight across. This will reduce your risk of getting ingrown toemails.
• To smooth nail edges, use an emery board and file lightly.  Be careful not to be too abrasive when doing so.
• Gently run a wooden or rubber manicure stick under your nails to keep them clean in order to remove any dirt or debris.
• Maintain the proper moisture balance of the skin on your feet by applying emollient-enriched moisturizer to keep soles soft.
• If toenails are healthy, you can use nail polish to paint toenails. Make sure to remove polish regularly using non-acetone nail polish remover.

Don’ts

• Resist the urge to shave your legs before receiving a pedicure. Freshly shaven legs or small cuts on your legs may allow bacteria to enter.
• If you are receiving a pedicure and manicure, don’t use the same tools for both services as bacteria and fungus can transfer between fingers and toes.
• Do not allow salon 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 round the edges of your toenails. This type of shape increases the chances that painful ingrown toenails will develop.
• Emery boards are extremely porous and can trap germs that spread. Don’t share nail files so be sure to bring your own to the salon or ensure that they are using new emery boards for every client.
• Don’t use any sharp tools to clean under nails as you can puncture the skin and cause infection.
• Be sure that you don’t leave any moisture 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, 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.
• If you suffer from thick and discolored toenails, which could be a sign of a fungal infection, 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 Chiropodist.

If you are diabetic or have circulation problems, it is best to consult a Chiropodist for more customized advice on how to take care of your feet before you visit a salon.