As a woman, I completely understand the desire to get pedicures on a regular basis. The feeling of having nice soft heels, neatly trimmed cuticles, and perfectly painted toenails makes a gal feel beautiful and feminine. Not to mention, there is that age-old theory that "no man wants to be with a woman with 'ugly' feet." However, as a physician and more importantly, a podiatrist, I also understand the serious risks and dangers that can occur from pedicures. I would never recommend a person to get a pedicure and this is why.
Many nail salons do not follow proper protocols for sterilizing and cleaning their tools and equipment. For example, there are filters in the whirlpools which should be changed regularly and under investigation it was found that many of these filters have not been changed in a timely manner (if ever) and they were coated with bacterial biofilm. Many instruments are used from patron to patron without proper sterilization. Additionally, there are nail salon practices that can be very harmful to their clients and should be made illegal.
I would never recommend for a patient to get a pedicure. However, I completely understand that women are not always going to be able to resist the temptation. Therefore, I still have a few recommendations.
- Investigate the salon that you go to. Ask them what their sterilization process is. Ask them how often they change the filters in the tubs. Pay attention to what they reuse between customers.
- Invest in your own tool set and polish. It's not too costly, and you will have peace of mind knowing that those instruments have only touched your own disease-free body.
- If they use sharp blades to peel the skin and callus off the bottom of your feet, simply don't let them. These blades are sharp and can cut you and lead to open wounds that will be very disposed to infections.
- When they cut your nails, instruct them to cut in a curved shape, not square.
- When cutting nails in general, one should follow the shape of the lunula which is the white part of the nail.
- Refrain from shaving your legs 24 hours prior to getting the pedicure done.
- If you do partake in regular pedicures, check your feet and nails and if you notice anything abnormal, come in for an evaluation sooner rather than later.
By Dr. Maryellen Brucato, DPM
New Jersey Foot and Ankle Center
New Jersey Foot and Ankle Center is located at 550 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, NJ 07649. As a premiere podiatry practice in Bergen County, Dr. Dan Margolin and Dr. Maryellen Brucato and their staff have treated over 25,000 patients coming from places as close as Paramus, Ridgewood, Emmerson, Hackensack, River Edge, New Milford, Teaneck, Hillsdale, Westwood, or as far as New York City and South Jersey. Give us a call at 201-261-9445 if you have any questions or visit us online at www.heelpain911.com and www.njfootpain.com.
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