calming corners

 We all love those relaxing days where a pedicure is in order. As we prepare for personal bliss we think of some of the horror stories that could possibly happen to our feet. Well. have no fear. Dr. Doolan, New York City  podiatrist (www.midtownpodiatry.com  ), is here to help us have a safe pedicure so your feet will feel and look great.

According to Dr. Doolan, the risks associated with pedicures, while they are a reality, are relatively slim. The best way to be sure your nail salon of choice is among the best is by doing your homework and chatting with your nail technician.

 Check out his tips below.

Check the licensing -Make sure the salon you choose is in compliance with state licensing regulations. Most states have guidelines to ensure that providers of various services, including nail technicians, follow certain standards to maximize safety.

 Avoid whirlpools -One of the signature components of a pedicure is a foot soak, often in a whirlpool. The problem, warns Dr. Doolan, is that whirlpools are incredibly difficult to sanitize. “To be properly cleaned, a whirlpool must be drained, sprayed with a sanitizing agent, then filled and drained again. If that process isn’t followed, bacteria can flourish.”

 Look out for ingrown toenails -The most common issue treated at his practice, Midtown Podiatry, following pedicures are ingrown toenails. “Ingrown toenails are caused when the nail is clipped straight across, and sharp edges are left behind and get pushed into the soft tissue of the skin,” explains Dr. Doolan, going on to say that once you know what to look for, avoiding it isn’t difficult. “Ingrown toenails are very painful and can become infected pretty quickly, so it’s important to be treated by a podiatrist, but to avoid repeat infections simply make sure that the sharp edges of the nail are removed with a file. Avoiding shoes that put pressure on the toe where the nail meets the skin is also key to avoiding painful ingrown toenails.”

Don’t cut your cuticles- The cuticles are an important part of the body’s defenses and should be left alone as much as possible. According to Dr. Doolan, clipping the cuticles is always a no-no but gently pushing them back to reduce their prominence is a good compromise. “Some people forget that the cuticle serves an important purpose: they are an incredibly effective barrier that prevents bacteria from entering the body. Feet without cuticles are far more likely to develop an unsightly and notoriously difficult-to-treat infection than those whose cuticles remain intact.”

xo,

CC