Mother’s Day is almost here, and you might be thinking about treating your mom to a relaxing afternoon of pampering. A gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure is a classic choice, but before you book that appointment, it is important to look past the wall of colorful polish and the bubbling foot baths. Because our foot expert, Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, is here to drop some serious nail salon truth bombs in this blog post. Keep reading.
Bacteria Trapped in Bubbling Foot Baths
The most relaxing part of a pedicure is often the vibrating, warm water soak. However, those whirlpool jets aren’t as relaxing as you’d think. Because if a salon doesn’t properly disassemble and disinfect the internal pipes and filters between every single client, bacteria and fungi can build up inside the system.
To stay safe, look for a salon that uses pipeless tubs or disposable liners for every client. These modern options eliminate the hidden areas where germs love to hide.
The Risks of Cuticle and Callus Care
We all want smooth heels, but you should be wary of any technician who pulls out a metal scraper or a razor-sharp blade to remove calluses. In many states, using these tools is actually illegal in a salon setting. That’s because if the skin is cut even slightly, it creates an entry point for serious bacterial infections like staph or cellulitis.
The same goes for cuticles. The cuticle is your body’s natural seal to keep germs out of the nail bed. If a technician clips them too far back, your mom is at risk of infection.
How to Spot a Safe Pedicure Salon for Mom
You don’t have to cancel your plans, but you should do a little detective work before buying that gift card. A high-quality salon will be happy to answer your questions about its safety standards.
- Check the Sterilization: Look for an autoclave, which uses high-pressure steam to kill 100 percent of organisms on metal tools. If they just use a blue liquid soak, it may not be enough to kill stubborn fungi.
- Observe the Basics: Are the technicians wearing fresh gloves? Are the files and buffers brand new for every person? If you see them reusing porous tools like pumice stones, it is time to find a different shop.
- Consider a Medical Pedicure: If your mom has diabetes or poor circulation, a standard salon might be too risky. Many podiatry offices now offer medical-grade pedicures in a sterile environment, giving her the luxury she wants with the safety she needs.
Hey, the much cheaper (and safer) option is to treat your mother to a pedicure at home, following these simple techniques. Happy Mother’s Day!
For any questions about foot health and wellness, reach out to the tenured staff at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our new, comfortable Chicago office, located at 5015 N Paulina Street, Suite #217.