Pedicures and Your Feet

Are pedicures safe? The answer isn't as straightforward as a simple yes or no. As podiatrists, we get asked this question often. Patients come into our office with an ingrown toenail or fungal infection that started after a recent pedicure. There are some risks in going to a nail salon, but that doesn't mean you should avoid them altogether. Here are three things to keep in mind before your next trip to the salon!

Be Careful of Tools

Regarding pedicure tools, there's a big difference between clean and sterile. Nail trimmers that are properly sterilized won't transmit any germs, ensuring you're free of infection. If your salon's nail tools are cleaned using a topical cleanser or disinfectant, they can transfer germs from one client to another. To avoid this, ask questions. Does your salon use an autoclave? This is a high-temperature device that kills all germs. If they don't, consider switching salons or bring your tools, which you can find at a local beauty supply store.

Pay Attention

When we get a pedicure done in a salon, we aren't always paying attention to what's happening in front of us. Most like to reply to texts or emails, talk with their plus-one or nail tech, or close their eyes and relax. But paying attention to what tools are being used can help you avoid an emergency podiatry visit. Nails should be cut straight across, and rounded edges should be avoided, as this can cause ingrown toenails. Always say no to callus or corn removal – instead, ask a podiatrist for help. New disposable bins or liners should be used for each customer.

Ask Your Podiatrist

Patients with diabetes, a history of poor circulation, and those with conditions that compromise their immune system (like arthritis or patients on chemotherapy) should generally avoid pedicures. If you're curious whether pedicures are a good idea for you and your feet, always ask your podiatrist first.

Here at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we specialize in custom orthotics, along with various other foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.