Toe Fungus and Pedicures

Let me ask you a question - do you really pay attention to your pedicurist or things in your nail salon? When you read through what I'm about to say, it will suddenly seem so obvious.

Nail fungus is easily spread in the whirlpools/foot baths or from the tools your pedicurist uses. The reality is that a lot of salons do not pay attention to sanitary measures to keep their clients safe. Not to gross you out, but tools are not cleaned between clients and foot-baths are not disinfected.

So what can you do about this? There are some things you can watch for when visiting a nail salon to determine if they are safe. Here are suggestions from the International Pedicure Association.

1. Check out the pedicure station and salon. If anything looks dirty or you are not comfortable, find another salon.

2. Make sure all nail technicians are licensed. Most states require salons to display the licenses where you can see them. Look for them!

3. Ask your pedicurist if they are part of a professional organization. One to looks for is the International Pedicure Association.

4. Ask how the tubs/whirlpools are cleaned and how often. Ideally these should be cleaned with a disinfectant between customers.

5. Before starting the pedicure, the technician should examine your feet and ask any health questions.

6. Make sure the pedicurist uses clean tools. They should use soap and water as well as a liquid disinfectant. Ideally these tools should be sterilized in addition to disinfected. For tools that cannot be disinfected (orange sticks, gloves, etc), make sure the technician uses new tools. If you want to bring your own tools for the pedicurist - do it! Don't be embarrassed. They are your feet after all!

7. Make sure the technician is using the right tools for a pedicure. If you have questions about what they can and cannot use, contact your state's cosmetology board.

One tool you need to look out for is the credo blade. It's used to shave off calluses and is illegal in many states. Even if it is legal, do not let the technician use it. If it is not clean and you get a cut, bacteria can enter the cut and lead to a really nasty infection.

8. Your pedicurist should wash his/her hands with soap before touching your feet. Ideally they will wear gloves.

9. Make sure you have a freshly laundered towel or disposable towel with polyback lining.

10. Make sure there is adequate ventilation and air cleaning equipment.

DO YOU ALREADY HAVE A TOE FUNGUS? WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HOW TO GET RID OF IT? CLICK HERE.

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When you go to a new salon, be sure to ask questions! Heck, ask questions at your current salon! If the salon does not want to give you answers or hedges, find somewhere else!

In addition to this, there are a couple of things you need to do as a client. Do not shave your legs the day you get a pedicure. Also make sure you do not have any cuts, blisters or areas where your shoes may have rubbed. Bacteria from the whirlpool/tub can get into these small nicks and lead to infection.

If you do get an infection, see your doctor immediately since this can lead to serious conditions. If you get a toe fungus, you need to treat it right away.

DO YOU THINK YOU ALREADY HAVE A TOE FUNGUS? DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT TO USE TO PREVENT ONE? CLICK HERE.

A pedicure sure be one of those special things you do for yourself. Make sure you take these precautions so you can fully enjoy the experience.