<Home
<Back to Articles
Tips for a Safe Pedicure
By Michael Nirenberg, DPM
Nothing beats rewarding our tired, aching feet, toes, and ankles with a relaxing pedicure. It eases tension, and makes our feet feel and look better. However, like so many other pleasures in life, pedicures can be dangerous.
The main culprit is germs. In one salon, over 100 customers developed an infection from a dirty whirlpool. Over the years I've treated several people who developed infections after pedicures, and in one tragic case, the woman needed her big toe amputated.
The good news is that you can do a few simple things to minimize this danger:
1. Be Sure You're Healthy Enough for a Pedicure
Consider your health first. Do you have diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy (numbness or burning in the feet or toes), or skin problems on your feet? These may increase your risk of infection, and you shouldn't chance a pedicure. If you aren't sure if you're healthy enough for a pedicure, have your feet checked by a podiatrist.
2. Check Your Legs, Feet, and Ankles Before the Pedicure
Any breaks in the skin, nicks, cuts, or other sores on your legs, feet, or ankles increase the risk of germs penetrating your skin. And until these problems heal, you should avoid pedicures.
For added protection, don't shave your legs for at least one day prior to your pedicure. Razors can leave tiny breaks in the skin too small for you to see, but large enough for nasty bacteria to enter.