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Proceed With Caution During Your Next Pedicure

Proceed With Caution During Your Next Pedicure

https://www.millcreekfootandankle.com/snohomish-foot-ankle-treatments.php

Once the warmer summertime weather rolls around, it is only natural that you would be turning to sandals and other seasonal footwear options. It is never any wonder why your feet need grooming before you show them off, especially when you have them cramped into work shoes for most of the day. Not to mention, you have the constriction of wintertime footwear that you can finally pack away for the summer. Learn tips from a podiatrist in Snohomish.

However, while your feet may be in some serious need of attention, a salon pedicure can open you up to a world of risks. As a matter of fact, some of the foot baths that are used will often be riddled with bacteria and germs that can lead to viral, fungal and bacterial infections. It is not all that uncommon for people to leave their spa or salon pedicure and go home with boils and other issues. Even the tools that are used will not be much better, with many of them being unsanitary after not being cleaned properly. In some instances, these tools could be subjecting you to infections like hepatitis.

If you are someone who suffers from diabetes, you need to take special precautions when it comes to pedicures just to be sure that you are not going to end up with complications and infections.

The next time that you are looking to treat yourself to a pedicure, you can always look to these tips so that you can make sure that your feet remain healthy and happy:

Shaping – When it comes to the cutting of your toenails, always stay away from oval and go with a shape that is square. Rounded toenails will be a lot more likely to cause painful ingrown toenails as they can dig into the skin.

Say No To The Razor – Not only should you say not to a nail technician that wants to use a razor on your feet, but you should be careful when doing so on your own. Using a razor on your feet can amplify your chances at infection and even lead to permanent damage. The callouses that develop on your feet offer a cushion between them and the ground. When you take off too much of this rough skin, it can be painful to walk. Always opt for tools that are gentler in nature, like a foot file, pumice stone, or good foot scrub.

Foot Bath Caution – Never use a foot spa for a pedicure unless you are absolutely certain that it is safe to use after being disinfected. Any foot bath must be cleaned using a hospital disinfectant that is EPA registered in between each customer. A good rule of thumb is at least ten minutes for disinfection time.

Beware Of The Cuticle – The cuticle acts as a protective barrier on your nail, so pushing it back can lead to damage, or even the risk of developing an infection.

Bring Your Own Tools – When you have a favorite spa or salon that you like to go to for pedicures, it is not all that uncommon to bring in your own tools. This way, you know that your tools have only been on your feet and you never have to worry about any tools that have not been cleaned properly. Be sure that you bring your own emery board, as these are never able to be fully sterilized because they are porous in nature.

See A Podiatrist – You may not think of clinical foot care as a way of pampering, but there are more podiatrists today that offer a variety of beneficial procedures that will leave your feet feeling incredible. Even if you go in for a simple callous removal and proper trimming of your toenails, you will have the ability to avoid a world of potential dangers.

By calling to set up an initial consultation with Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic, you will be able to learn all about the best ways to care for your feet and get them summer ready from a podiatrist in Snohomish. Not only will you be able to gather insight on proper pedicure techniques, but you can also look into a variety of treatments that will have your feet feeling good and looking great for the summer months. Call (425)482-6663 today to set up an appointment and be on your way to optimum foot health.