A pedicure is a procedure designed to nourish feet, remove dead skin and keep feet free from disease. Unfortunately, the positive aspects of this procedure are diminished if a pedicure infection occurs. This type of infection can often lead to open wounds along the feet and ankles that are painful and sometimes leave permanent scars behind. In order to prevent a pedicure infection, it's important to follow four essential guidelines. These include avoiding uncleanly salons, making sure that all equipment has been disinfected, having a pedicurist wash her hands and not having a pedicure performed with any open wounds.
Perhaps the most effective way to avoid a pedicure infection is to simply stay away from uncleanly salons. When walking into a salon, it's important to scope out the area and make sure that everything is in clean, working condition. Evidence of dirty floors and a general lack of sanitation mean that it's probably best to go to a different salon. If a facility can't maintain basic cleanliness, then there is a good chance that the equipment is also dirty. When unsure, it's smart to ask for the facility's inspection report, which should be posted.
The next action to take in order to avoid a pedicure infection is to ensure that the pedicurist's equipment has been thoroughly disinfected. All equipment should be washed in hot, soapy water after each client and treated with a bactericide to prevent any potential bacteria from spreading. Asking personnel about their cleaning procedures should help in obtaining this information.
Having a pedicurist wash her hands before giving a pedicure is also a necessity. When a pedicurist switches between different clients, there is always the potential for spreading bacteria or other harmful microorganisms. As a result, it's crucial to make sure that she has washed her hands in hot, soapy water before receiving a pedicure. If there is reason to think the pedicurist has not washed her hands, it's smart for the customer to ask about it.
An additional step to take is making sure that there are no open wounds on one's feet, ankles or lower legs. Even if the equipment is relatively clean and sanitized, it's still possible for a pedicure infection to happen with an open wound in the equation. This is because an open wound presents harmful microorganisms with an easy entry point to the bloodstream. Therefore, it's a good idea to wait until all wounds have completely healed before having a pedicure done.