Warmer weather means its time for pedicure season.
But take a peek at your feet — ankles, toes, heels — before you step into a pedicure chair.
Podiatrist Jacqueline Sutera, who practices in New York and New Jersey, said she sees people coming in post-pedicure who might have gotten infections or had untreated foot issues worsened by a pedicure.
For example, athlete’s foot can be disguised as dry skin on the bottom of the foot, and warts as calluses.
“It gets a lot worse in the summertime because of sweat,” said Sutera of athlete’s foot. A pedicure, moisture, foot filing or a pumice stone can make it worse, she said.
And you don’t want to risk infecting the person who comes after you.
Warts can spread and shouldn’t be in water touched by other people. They can hide in files, buffers and instruments, Sutera said.
Shaving your legs before a pedicure is not recommended.
“People can get an infection from the openings, the little micro scratches,” Sutera said. “They don’t think of it at all, and they’re like, ‘What happened to my legs? Did I get bit by something?'”
Pay attention to any splinters or small cuts on your foot. Ingrown toenails don’t pair well with a pedicure either.
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The color of your nails may also be an issue. If you have yellow toenails, it could be a fungal infection, and you should consider checking with a doctor.
Sutera suggests not leaving polish on for longer than two weeks.
“Take it off, preferably wait a day or two, and let it breathe, and then put it back on,” she said.
And if you are in the pedicure chair, don’t hesitate to take charge. Sutera suggests bringing in your own tools.
The One Simple Thing series offers specific and small ways to improve health.
abowen@tribpub.com
Twitter @byalisonbowen
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