Are Pedicures Good for my Feet?

Regular pedicures are good for your feet as well as your mental health. They can promote healthier skin and joints. The procedure can help your mind and body to relax while releasing toxins that may be building up.

It is important to be selective about where you go for a pedicure. Verify they follow all sanitation procedures. Verify the provider has a license to offer such services. The best places have liners for the water tubs and they open a package of disposable tools in front of you. They wash their hands and wear disposable gloves during the pedicure.

Between pedicures, take good care of your feet at home. Use lotion before bed to reduce the risk of slipping due to lotion on your feet. Exfoliate your feet in the shower and use a pumice stone every couple of days to reduce rough spots from developing. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.

Healthier Skin

Most locations offer various levels of pedicures. The price and the amount of time it takes are influenced by what you select. They range from basic to those offering plenty of pampering such as hot towels over the legs and hot paraffin wax for the feet.

Pedicures promote healthier skin. Dead skin is removed during the procedure. This reduces the risk of bunions, corns, and calluses developing. When the dead skin is removed, healthier layers of skin can breathe. The feet feel soft to the touch rather than dry or flaky. Schedule a pedicure every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the needs of your feet.

Healthier Joints

During a pedicure, the feet are manipulated and pressure is applied to certain areas. This promotes blood and oxygen circulation. Such measures can help improve the health of joints. If you have any inflammation in the joints due to arthritis or other health concerns, don’t get a pedicure at that time. Doing so can actually cause more irritation rather than helping the joints.

Improve your Mental Health with Regular Pedicures

A pedicure is also good for your mental health. You get a chance to slow down and unwind. Most people find their mood improves and they get to relax. It is a chance to focus on themselves for an hour or so. Many locations include massage chairs so you can have a bonus benefit from the kneading of your back while your feet are being pampered.

If you wear open-toe shoes or sandals, a pedicure can help you feel confident about how your feet look. The same is true if you go to the swimming pool or the beach. These are wonderful outings, and they can be ruined if you are worried about how your feet look to others the entire time.

Precautions

Always be careful when it comes to pedicures. Unsanitary conditions can result in fungus or bacteria being transferred from one person to another. If they clip toenails incorrectly, they may bleed or an ingrown toenail can develop. Find a location with qualified individuals and proper conditions. Go to the same place each time once you are confident, they are going above and beyond to give you an excellent experience.

Don’t hesitate to ask a provider how much experience they have. If you prefer someone with more experience, firmly but politely ask for that to be accommodated. You may have to wait a bit longer for someone else to take you as a client but it will be worth the wait. If you enjoy the services someone offers, try to schedule with them each time. Some facilities allow you to do that and others take clients on a walk-in basis and you are assigned to the next available provider.

Health

Individuals with diabetes, nerve disorders, or circulation concerns should consult with their doctor before getting a pedicure. There can be additional health risks for such individuals. If your doctor approves it, make sure you share your specific health concerns with the provider before the pedicure begins.

Don’t go in for a pedicure if you have athlete’s foot or any other type of fungi present. It is very contagious and you put others at the facility at risk of getting it. Don’t get a pedicure if you have any open blisters or sores where pus is coming out. Most facilities will refuse to complete a pedicure in such circumstances because it is a sanitation risk and a liability for the business if they do so.

Signs of an Infection

If you develop any signs of an infection after a pedicure, don’t ignore them. See a doctor right away to prevent the problem from getting worse. You may need prescription medications to heal the problem. Notify the salon where the pedicure was completed too. Share with them the date you were in so they can take extra precautions too.

Signs of an infection after a pedicure include:

  • Infection
  • Ingrown toenail
  • Nail fungus