6 Ways to Get a Safer Summer Pedicure
While long Indiana winters mean we can let our toes take a polish break, the spring and summer months are our time to shine in sandals and open-toed shoes. Want to show off a gorgeous summer pedicure without worries of infection? Here are your Westfield, IN podiatrist’s tips for getting the prettiest feet without any unwanted side effects.
How to Keep Your Summer Pedicure Safe
Don’t shave before you go.
Right after you shave your legs, they’re covered in tiny little cuts. While not painful, those create opening for stray germs to enter your bloodstream. And, even in the cleanest of salons, that can pave the way for infection.
Get bowled over.
Before soaking your feet in a spa’s foot bath, make sure it’s lined with plastic. That means you’ve got a far lower risk of coming in contact with germs from the previous summer pedicure seeker.
Come prepared.
Walk in to the salon with your own pedicure tools. Or make sure that your pedicurist uses sealed, disposable tools on your feet. Otherwise, there’s no way to guarantee you aren’t exposed to infectious germs or foot fungi.
Skip the foot shave.
Even if you have a tough callus, don’t let a foot razor play any part in your summer pedicure. It’s way too easy to shave off too much skin, exposing the most delicate layer of your epidermis and making you more vulnerable to cuts, cracks and infections.
Ask for square tips.
Instead of allowing your pedicurist to round out your nails, ask for a square finish. This makes it less likely that the edges of your nail will turn inward, leaving you with an ingrown toenail.
Steer clear of salons if you have diabetes.
Diabetes can reduce sensation in your feet due to neuropathy. That means if a pedicurist gets too rough, or accidentally cuts your foot, you may not notice until an ulcer develops. Want to stay safe? Come in for a safe nail trim and choose and apply your own nail-friendly polish.
Keeping Summer Pedicures Safe and Gorgeous
Have you noticed redness or discomfort after a salon pedicure? Come in to the office right away. Pain, warmth and changes in skin color are all warning signs of a pedicure infection. The sooner you seek treatment, the easier it will be for us to prevent serious complications.