How To Have A Preety Feet by Patrick DeHeer

How to Have a Safe Pedicure
By Patrick A. DeHeer , DPM Visiting a spa for a relaxing pedicure can do wonders for you and your feet, however, there are precautions you should be aware of to make sure your experience is a safe one. With a few simple questions and some observations, your pedicure will be less risky. Conditions such as ingrown toenails, fungal nail and skin infections, bacterial infections, cuts, abrasions and possibly even more serious types of infections can occur with improper care.

Check credentials – The spa and technician should be licensed by the state board of cosmetology. These should be easily visible; if they are not, ask to see them.

Ask around – Like anything from restaurants to car repair shops, ask around for recommendations and do some research prior to scheduling an appointment.

Be observant – Examine the spa with a critical eye when first entering; the environment should be clean as well as the instruments and equipment. You can also purchase your own equipment and bring it with you. This may sound laborious and expensive, but it is not and eliminates much of your risk.

Sterilize or disinfect – The instruments should be sterilized with an autoclave, just like a hospital uses. Disinfecting with soaking or ultraviolet light is not recommended.

The foot bath concern – The safest way to handle this potentially dangerous portions of you spa pedicure is with a whirlpool that uses a disposable liner. You can bring your own liner, if you don’t then make sure a new one is used with each treatment. The type of whirlpool being used is also important. Piped whirlpool baths are associated with higher levels of bacteria, whereas, pipe-free baths can be easily cleaned and have less risk of contamination.

Clean hands – Your technician should wash their hands in front of you and or use new gloves. Don’t be apprehensive to ask to see them wash their hands if they are not wearing gloves.

Disposable items should only be used once – Disposable items such as files, pumice stones, slippers, toe separators and razors should only be used once. It is recommended that these items be opened in front of you. You may bring your own or leave your own supply at the spa, this is not uncommon.

Communication – You should inform your technician if you have any cuts, have any medical conditions (diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, HIV, autoimmune disease or neuropathy) or take medications that increase your risk of bleeding or infection (blood thinners or drugs that decrease your immune system). Some of these may prevent your treatment altogether.

Pain should not be part of your visit – The technician is not a podiatrist, and their treatments should not cause pain or bleeding. If you experience either, then they are stepping outside of their boundaries as a technician.



For More Information visit Hoosier Foot & Ankle Care