Pedicure Precautions to Keep You on Your Toes

With the boom of manicure-pedicure salons everywhere, the California Podiatric Medical Assn. was concerned enough to survey its members about their patients and pedicures. To its surprise, the group found out that pedicures may actually lead to doctor visits.

True--and for two primary reasons.

In the recent survey, about 25% of podiatrists reported that among patients coming in with problems stemming from commercial pedicures, 70% of those are from dirty equipment.

“There were a lot of infections, but really small in the number compared to how many people go for pedicures,” says Noreen Oswell, president-elect of the association.

Pedicurists were also able to spot foot conditions requiring a doctor’s care, says Oswell, who practices at Cedars-Sinai Medical Office Towers.

Chronic conditions include hammertoes (which can cause corns and calluses), athlete’s foot, fungal infections and bunions.

Oswell says pedicures can actually prevent ingrown nails but cannot treat chronic ones. For that, podiatrists permanently remove a corner of the nail.

And, though nail fungus and infections are difficult to treat, there are medications now to fight both.

Certain people shouldn’t get commercial pedicures--diabetics, anyone with poor circulation or poor sensation in the feet; anyone with an infection or open lesions on the feet. These people, however, usually are covered by insurance to get their nails cut by a podiatrist.

If you’re getting a pedicure, here are some things to look for:

* Look for the technician’s state license. If she or he doesn’t have one or won’t show it, leave.

* Check the salon for cleanliness. The technician should wash hands before working on your feet.

* By law, the pedicure instruments must be stored in a sanitizing solution. Check the solution for cleanliness. Is there debris floating in the solution?

* By law, a new emery board must be used for every client.

* California law forbids the cutting of cuticles or corns. Don’t let anyone do this.

* If a pedicurist works on your cuticles, make sure he or she uses a cuticle removal lotion that softens and pushes back the cuticle.

* If your feet are red or swollen a few days after the pedicure, see a podiatrist.

* If you get frequent pedicures, buy your own kit and disinfect it regularly.

Oswell also has some tips for home foot care:

* Moisturize your feet daily, everywhere except between the toes.

* Remove chipped toenail polish because moisture can get between the chipped polish and nail, making a home for fungus.

“People tend to leave their toenail polish on too long,” Oswell says.

* Use a pumice stone to smooth rough skin.