Do’s and Don’ts for Getting a Pedicure—Safely

Who doesn’t love getting a professional pedicure? They’re relaxing and the end result is beautiful toenails perfect for showing off in sandals and open-toed shoes. But at Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle we want to make sure our patients don’t get more than they bargained for: fungal and bacterial infections can be easy to pick up at a nail salon if the proper precautions are not taken. Below are some do’s and don’ts for ensuring a safe and infection-free pedicure.

Do: Wear flip-flops when walking around the nail salon—infections are passed on by coming in direct contact with the fungi or bacteria.

Don’t: shave the night before a pedicure. Although not visible to the eye, shaving creates tiny cuts in the skin that provides easy access for infection.

Do: Check to see that your salon is accredited by the health department. A certificate should be posted prominently in the salon.

Do: consider bringing your own nail clippers, cuticle pushers and other tools to the salon. It’s the safest way to ensure the tools used for your pedicure have not come in contact with a foot or nail that is infected.

Don’t: stay in a salon that doesn’t look clean. Although messy piles of magazines and a dusty window sill won’t make you sick, they may indicate an overall lack of concern with cleanliness that may carry through into the sanitary practices of the salon.

Do: ask the nail technician to wash his or her hands before starting your pedicure or to use a fresh pair of gloves if you don’t see them do this first.

Don’t: hesitate to contact our Spring Hill (352 683-5799) or Hudson (727-868-2128) office if you notice any unusual symptoms such as pain, redness, irritation or pus anywhere on your toes, nail bed or feet after you get a pedicure. Our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales will examine your feet and determine if an infection has developed. The sooner treatment begins the quicker the infection will clear up.