Are pedicures safe? I get asked this question all the time. The answer, most of the time, is no. Pedicures always come with some risk. However there are many ways to make it safer and to prevent some of the common pedicure relates issues (and to enjoy your time at the salon rather than worrying!)
Pedicures can be problematic because salons can harbor fungus, bacteria, and viruses that spread between clients. Moist environments (hello soaking tubs!) are perfect places for these organisms to grow and thrive. Therefore, it is important to make sure your salon uses strict cleaning guidelines and precautions. Another problem is that nail instruments and products are shared between clients. One person who comes in with a fungal infection can pass it along to the next person via instruments or polish.
The most common types of infection from pedicures are fungal infection of the nails, bacterial infections of the nails or skin, and less commonly viral infections causing warts. Bacterial infections are the most dangerous as they can lead to cellulitis and possibly spread to other parts of your foot or leg. Fungal infections are not as aggressive but can be quite difficult to treat. All of these infections can spread to you or others you are in close contact with.
There are several ways to make your experience better! Read on to find out how to ensure a safe pedicure.
Choose a salon carefully for a safe pedicure experience
The first thing you want to do is be selective when it comes to the salons that you visit. The ideal salon is one that autoclaves their instruments. This requires a special machine to sanitize them (the instruments will come out in a peel pack plastic envelope so you know they are clean). This will prevent any infectious particles from passing to you from the last client. Properly sterilized instruments are one of the most important parts of a safe pedicure.
You also want to make sure that the soaking tubs are being cleaned properly. The best scenario is a salon that uses disposable basins for each guest, rather than a tub that everyone uses. But if they are using a tub, make sure there is a plastic liner that goes inside the tub before you put your feet in, and that the tub is being sanitized after each use. You also want to make sure the salon is following good cleaning guidelines throughout. If you get a bad feeling from a certain environment you should probably avoid it.
Bring your own tools for a safe pedicure
A good way to ensure that you will not be picking up anything you don’t want from your next pedicure is to bring your own tools. You can bring nail clippers, a nail file, and even nail polish. It is great when a salon provides you with your own file that you take home afterward. But if not, bringing your own from home is a safe option. You can also bring your own nail polish- this way you are not using a product that may have touched several other toes before yours. You will have better peace of mind and a more safe pedicure experience.
Try this non toxic nail polish from Dr.’s Remedy
Avoid excess cutting
When you are having your pedicure done, ask your pedicurist to do minimal cutting and pushing of your cuticles. You should ideally only have them cut and file your nails. When the cuticles are cut and pushed back, it creates an open space for organisms to enter and grow. You ideally want minimal trauma to the nail and the skin around your nail. This will minimize the likelihood of developing an infection. Also, do not have them push back the edge of your nail. This will create a dead space that can harbor infection.
Change your nail polish frequently
If you get pedicures on a regular basis, get in the habit of removing your polish every 2-3 weeks. Nail fungus can grow in between your nail and your polish if you leave it on for too long. Also, if you don’t inspect your nails in between pedicures, you might miss the early signs of a fungal infection. Your pedicurist may not realize or tell you that you have a new infection starting. The best time to treat nail fungus is at the earliest sign of infection, so watch your nails carefully. Act fast if you see any changes such as discoloration, thickening, crumbly texture of the nail, or separation of the nail from the skin underneath.
Be proactive
If you suspect any type of infection following a pedicure, have it checked by a podiatrist right away. The sooner you start treating the problem, the more likely it will clear up completely. Toenail fungus is particularly aggressive and can spread to your other nails once it infects a single nail. If you see any redness, swelling, or fluid drainage around your nail, this can be a sign of a bacterial infection and might need antibiotics. One final tip is to avoid shaving your legs or feet right before a pedicure as recent shaving has shown to increase risk of bacterial infections.
The fact is, pedicures are relaxing and make for a great self-care activity if done right. Always be very careful with the salon you choose and follow these steps to ensure your feet stay safe and healthy afterward! When in doubt, you can do a safe at home pedicure as well!