Sunday, February 27, 2011

That Pedicure Can Be Relaxing, But Watch Out!

It is the dead of winter, and nothing can make you feel better than getting a relaxing pedicure for your feet. But spa-goer beware! There are a few things to watch out for when getting pampered.
Be sure to inspect the place where you chose to get the pedicure. A place may be clean, however, be very observant. The tub that is used to soak the feet should be removable because bacteria that can be transferred to your feet may either live in the tub itself, or live in the pipes used to push water or drain it out. Also, make sure that the instruments used are clean and not shared between clients. If in doubt, there are places that give you the option to buy your own set of instruments, or better yet, bring your own.
Some of our patients who have had a bad experience with infections or fungal nails have even chosen to bring their own nail polish. At our clinic, we carry Dr. Remedy nail polish which comes in many different colors depending on the season and is known for what it does NOT contain- no acetone, no formaldehyde, and lasts a long time.
At the end of the spa visit, be very observant of your toes for any increased redness around the cuticles, pain at the nail borders, or even discoloration. Any of these signs may indicate that you need to pay a visit to our office at Prairie Path Foot and Ankle Clinic or Schaumburg Foot and Ankle Clinic to make sure there is no infection. Even if you have a question, it is better to get it checked out by a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and stave off a worse infection.
With these few precautions, you can keep pampering your toes without worry!

That Pedicure

That Pedicure

That Pedicure