Summer is in full swing here in the greater Philadelphia area so it’s time to dust off those sandals and go for the barefoot look. It’s relaxing to be pampered with a pedicure and we all feel great when our feet look their best.

But some salons or spas may be a little lax in cleanliness or using sterilized equipment. At Your Next Step podiatry offices, we know how important it is to do your homework before choosing a nail salon.

Salon Safety Checklist

Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen recommend doing some investigation before scheduling that pedicure. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Here are a few tips to help you feel comfortable when you put your feet in someone else’s hands:

• If you have them, bring your own instruments. Wear your own flip flops.
• Schedule your appointment early in the day when equipment is cleanest.
• Take a look around at overall cleanliness. Your technician’s fingernails and hands should be squeaky-clean.
• Pipe-free whirlpool footbaths are preferable as pipes tend to harbor bacteria.
• The technician should use a new sterile pack of instruments each time. Disposable items like foot files, buffers and toe separators should only be used once.
• When preparing for your pedicure, avoid shaving your legs for 24 hours to prevent bacteria from entering your system. Postpone your appointment if your feet or legs have any scrapes or cuts.

Here’s an important point: check licenses to ensure that both the salon and technician are up to date. State or local licensing specifies education requirements, equipment sterilizing and regular premise inspections. Don’t be shy – all licenses must be clearly displayed.

Talk to Us about Fungal Nail Treatment Options

Be sure to contact us for a consultation with our experienced podiatrists in Ardmore and Paoli, PA if you notice any of these problems after your pedicure:

• Athlete’s foot – sometimes over-the-counter products that relieve the itch may not be enough to eliminate the problem. A prescription medication will work best.

• Infected cuticle – if you notice redness, pain and swelling around the toenail from too much pushing on the cuticle, you’ll need a topical antibiotic cream.

• Ingrown toenail – this may result from cutting the nail in an oval shape rather than straight. Antibiotics can relieve the pain and infection, and if necessary we can remove part of the toenail.

• Toenail fungus – it’s time to consult with a podiatrist if your toenails are discolored and painful. We will treat fungal nail with medicated creams, anti-fungal drugs and surgical or laser treatments.

• Warts – avoid over-the-counter products to prevent infection. We can remove plantar warts with either non-invasive treatments or surgery.

Don’t suffer with the aftereffects of a poor pedicure. Call or email us today for a consultation appointment with our foot doctors. Our state of the art diagnostic equipment and treatment services, especially our New Nail Laser Center, will soon have your feet and nails sparkling fresh and ready for summer fun.