5 Things to Check Before a Pedicure

Are you thinking about spring? Thinking about sunshine, warmth, and leaving work when it is still light out? Oh, the things that help our perspective!
There is one other springtime ritual that you could indulge in about now. How about a pedicure? Gentlemen, this is not just for the ladies. I am willing to bet that your feet could use a bit a sprucing up after this winter.
There are things that you need to be careful about when you go for a pedicure. Here are my top 5 things to check before you sit down in the chair for a pedicure. Please note:  If you have diabetes, please ask your friendly local podiatrist about taking care of your nails. Your feet and toes deserve and need special care.
Checklist – Deciding if this is the nail salon for you
 
1.       Is it clean? Do you feel it is clean when you walk into the salon? This is just your feeling. Are the chairs in good shape (not torn or broken)? Are there items or utensils laying around? Are the nail stations clean? Does the carpet look clean? You are just getting a general impression of how well the business cares to present itself.

2.       Ask how they clean their pedicure basins. Since I would not know the answer to this question, I checked the EPA website. Note:  The following are the EPA Guidelines for how the footbath should be cleaned.

“After Each Client: (this can take place any time after the client’s feet are out of the footbath, while feet are massaged, toes are painted, or other opportunities)
1. Drain the water from the foot spa basin or bowl and remove any visible debris.
2. Clean the surfaces of the foot spa with soap or detergent, rinse with clean water, and drain.

 

3. After cleaning, disinfect* the surfaces with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant according to the manufacturer’s directions on the label. Surfaces must remain wet with the disinfectant for 10 minutes or the time stated on the label,which may be shorter.

* For whirlpool foot spas, air-jet basins, “pipe-less” foot spas, and other circulating spas: It is best to disinfect by filling the basin with clean water, adding the appropriate amount of liquid disinfectant, and turning the unit on to circulate the disinfectant for the entire contact time.
4. After disinfection, drain and rinse with clean water.”

 

Ask how they are going to remove the dead skin on your feet. If they are going to use a razor, you should walk away. Using a razor can lead to cuts on your feet. Even small cuts can lead to infection. They should be gently using a pumice stone or file to remove dead skin.

4.       Ask if you bring your own tools or if they provide the tools. If they provide the tools, how are they sanitized between customers? You want to make sure that the tools are not just disinfected. They need to be sterilized. The tools should be sterilized in an autoclave for at least 10 minutes. You want to make sure that you are not infected by the previous customers.  Emery boards, buffers, and toe separators should be new for each customer.
5.       Do you feel comfortable? This is “gut check” time. Does this business make you feel comfortable and welcome? If not, leave.  If there is anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, then it is time to go somewhere else.

I know there are many choices for nail salons. You might want to look into using a “medi spa”. A medi spa is a place in a medical office where you can go for clean safe spa treatments.  Evanston Podiatric Surgeons has a medi spa for pedicures. The office has strict guidelines for cleanliness and sterilization. Especially if you have diabetes, it is a great place to go. They have all the latest colors in vegan and non-toxic polishes too!

Your Pal,
The Foot Blogger Chick

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