Last night a friend came over to visit my husband who is scheduled for surgery tomorrow. She’s usually the bubbly personality type, so I was shocked when she hobbled into my living room and plopped down on my leather sofa.
“What’s wrong with you?” I asked.
“Pedicure disaster,” she replied. “Bacterial infection.”
While I sympathize with my friend’s medical condition, I wasn’t shocked by her news. We’ve all heard the horror stories. I won’t rehash the fact that nail salons are perfect breeding grounds for bacterial infections, nail fungus, plantar warts, and hepatitis. The tiny nicks that may result from a mani/pedicure, expose you and the salon implements to viruses and infections.
Below are my three steps to a safer pedicure.
1. Take your own tools.
The technician may not like it, but if she wants your business she’ll use your tools. Don’t compromise. It’s impossible to know if a salon’s communal tools were “properly” sterilized in an autoclave. Clean your tools with hydrogen peroxide in between visits. Throw away emery boards after every use.
2. Avoid whirlpool footbaths.
Who knew that pampering your feet in warm, luxurious bubbles could create disaster! But bacteria thrive in the bath’s connective pipes. Even more frightening, motorize baths often refilter the water. In other words, you could wash my feet, your feet, Jack’s feet, and Jill’s feet in the same water. Disgusting! It just takes one contaminated foot to infect everyone.
A few salons are now using portable footbaths to avoid the pipe issues. While this is the best option, there’s still a risk if the baths aren’t cleaned and sanitized properly. So bring along a disposable tub liner.
3. Technique is everything.
If the technician doesn’t know what she/he is doing, nothing will protect your precious toes and fingers. Make sure the tech cuts your nails straight across instead of at an angle. This prevents ingrown nails. And never, never, never--let me say it again-NEVER allow a tech to exfoliate dead skin with a razor. The moment you see a razor I suggest you get up and leave.
By following my handy tips you lessen your chances of contracting infections. A great place to buy a pedicure kit is the store Ultra. Or search the internet. You’ll need clippers, cuticle cutters, toe separators, nail brush, cuticle pushers and nippers, orange stick, pumice stone, file and a buffer.
Watch your step at the salon. After all, like Forest Gump says, you never know what you’re going to get.
Do you have any tips or mani/pedicure stories to share?
