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Tips for Pedicure Safety

Tips-For-Pedicure-Safety

Salon pedicures can put you at risk for developing foot fungus, and dangerous infections as well as ingrown toenails if the nails aren’t trimmed properly. The team at KC Foot put together this list of things to look for at your pedicure salon to know your feet and toes are safe.

Safety Signs to Look for at a Pedicure Salon

  1. Does your nail technician have the necessary experience and/or license. Any individual performing cosmetic treatments such as manicures and pedicures, hairdressing and styling, or skin treatments must have a cosmetology license issued by the state. If you don’t see these displayed clearly (usually framed and hung on the wall near the entrance) feel free to ask for verification. If they can’t show you their license, you may want to take your business to a different salon.

  2. Pay attention and check that the nail technician washes his/her hands between clients. Or, if they wear gloves, that they change gloves between clients.

  3. Are there dirty tools lying around? There should be a place dirty tools are collected and disinfected either with heat or a solution. Don’t hesitate to ask how they clean their tools.

  4. Pedicure foot baths can harbor bacteria and fungus. Check that footbaths and filters are thoroughly disinfected before you use them.

3 Personal Pedicure Tips

  • You may be tempted to shave your legs the day you get a pedicure so they feel nice and smooth, but don’t. If you nick yourself, you open up your skin and create a risk for infection. Don’t shave 24 hours before, and wait 24 hours after a pedicure to shave. It’s better to have a little stubble than an unwanted infection.

  • If are a diabetic, you should always see a podiatrist for nail and callus trimming.

  • Don’t cover up toenail problems with artificial nails. Artificial nails are not recommended for people who are prone to fungal infections or have brittle nails. Covering them up for extended periods of time can camouflage a serious fungal infection or other nail problems exacerbating the problem. For people with healthy nails, artificial nails are fine as long as they are not worn continuously.

  • Inspect your toes and toenails often for signs of problems such as ingrown toenails, fungus, or infections. We know, they’re way down there and it’s not easy to get to them, but catching a problem early will save you from experiencing pain later.

Stay on Your Toes When It Comes to Safety

Pedicures can be good for your feet as long as the salon follows proper health guidelines. The good news is that there are dozens of salons to choose from, so if you don’t feel confident that your salon is following all of the proper health rules, you have plenty of other places to choose. At Kansas City Foot Specialists, we are all for pretty feet. But our number one priority is the health and safety of your feet. Make sure you pay attention to the behavior and habits of your technicians. Go get those pedicures, just make sure that’s all you get.

If you have any foot or ankle problems, give us a call at (913) 338-4440 or contact us online.