If
there’s one thing every woman loves it’s a mani/pedi, is there really anything
better? A good pedicure, foot massage,
and whirlpool treatment can be nothing short of pure bliss. But, while hitting
up the nail salon for a relaxation session may make you very happy, it could
have the potential to make your feet very unhappy.
A common question that podiatrists are asked is: are
pedicures safe? Usually, a trip to the nail salon is an uneventful, pleasant
experience; however, there is great potential for things to go wrong.
While there are risks of encountering a large volume of
germs in any high traffic public place, this can be particularly true in nail
salons. The first thing to make sure of is that the salon you visit is clean
and tidy. Make sure that they use a
clear disinfection procedure and have a protocol in place for minor accidents
like cuts. Sterile instruments
(typically stainless steel) should be used and disinfected between customers. The combo of high germ levels and the risk of
skin injury during pedicures/manicures has potential for some very nasty
results, particularly as far as infections are involved.
One common practice of pedicure and manicure treatments is
cuticle cutting. The cuticle is a semi
circular layer of dead skin cells around the sides and base of the
fingernail. The stripping of the cuticle
leaves an opening for germs to enter the soft tissue around the nail. In addition, the whirlpool foot spas that
most nail salons use can be a large source of bacteria and potential source of
infection. The basins of foot spas
should be drained and disinfected between customers.
In order to help combat infection risks, one option might be
to bring your own tools along to your next nail appointment. Also, make sure that you have no open sores or
existing infections on your skin or nails before visiting a nail
technician.
In addition, if your nails are yellow, thick or brittle,
nail polish and pedicures should not be used as a means of disguising these
issues. Such characteristics are typical
of onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails. These fungi can spread easily from one patron
to another via instruments or foot baths. Infections such as these should not be
masked, but treated by your trusty local podiatrist. A coat of polish may make
your nails look pretty, but it will not fix the underlying issues beneath.
While all women should be a little wary of potential risks
of pedicures, those with decreased immunity, blood circulation or sensation
should proceed with particular caution. The diabetic population and those with
peripheral vascular disease should be especially wary of dropping in for a
mani/pedi. While such conditions do not make a visit to the nail salon an
absolute “no-no,” affected women might want to consider leaving their toenail
pampering up to their podiatrist to decrease the risk of infection. Diabetes results in lessened healing
potential, and thus higher infection risk in those affected. Underlying health issues such as neuropathy and
circulation issues can result in loss of sensation and dry/flaky skin:
conditions that a typical nail salon may not be accustomed to accommodating.
By all means, don’t give up your pedicure appointment, but
make sure to keep your feet happy and safely pampered with your new found nail
knowledge.
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