By Keeva Stratton
Summer is the time to show off your perfectly pampered feet and we know it’s all too easy to take the quick (and often cheaper) options for pedicures —the problem is, your pedicure might look pretty, but it could be leaving you with some rather ugly side effects. From fungal infections to viruses, to blood based diseases, a cheap pedicure can quickly become very costly. Rescu. investigates the risks to be aware of when selecting your pedicure:
Hidden in the jet-pipes of many hydraulic foot spas are some pretty nasty bacteria. With the moisture, the temperature, a lack of light and an inability to properly clean them, hydro-jets make the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to breed.
Safety Suggestion:
Always choose a pedicurist who uses sterilized footbaths or bowls with no pumps (nail spas can often be temptingly cheap, but it’s really not worth the risk); this way you know you won’t be leaving with any hidden nasties.
From cutting nails to buffing dried skin, you want to be sure that the equipment being used is sterile, clean and safe. Not only does this equipment remove skin (which is full of cells), but sometimes bleeding can occur during a treatment, making sterile equipment an absolute must. If bacterial, fungal and viral matter exists on the equipment, unless it is properly sterilized, it will transfer to the next user—which could be you.
Safety Suggestion:
Look out for beauticians that offer disposable nail files and brushes. Ask about their sterilization methods and whether they reuse their equipment. Also, feel free to bring your own pots of colour if you’re concerned that they use the same nail brush over and over.
If you put your feet in the wrong hands, there are many dangerous outcomes that can occur. From filing off too much skin, which can lead to blistering and skin conditions, to cutting back cuticles—although we consider our nail treatments to be purely indulgent, they are similar to a medical procedure and should be treated as such.
Safety Suggestion:
Research your beautician to make sure that they are properly trained and appropriately qualified. When you find a beautician you trust, stick with them, and never, ever be tempted by ‘free mobile pedicures’.
Pedicures are a risky business. Fungal infections are easily spread, but difficult to treat. They can also cause unsightly and unhealthy nails. Pedicures have also been known to spread more serious diseases, such as hepatitis, so if you have any concerns about who looks after your nails, it really isn’t worth the risk.
Rescu. recommends investing in your own home pedicure kit for a simple yet safe (and cheap) solution, or exploring the various medical pedicures on offer from qualified podiatrists around the country.
For more information on Medical Pedicures visit:
Melbourne: https://www.medicalpedicure.com.au/
Perth: https://www.pulsepodiatry.com.au/
Adelaide: https://www.podantics.com.au/the-medical-pedicure.html
