A pedicure is a great way to relax and maintain the appearance of your feet, but it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks involved. If the nail salon does not follow proper hygiene practices, you could be at risk for infections such as fungal, bacterial, or viral infections.

To minimize your chances of picking up an infection, there are precautions you can take before and after your pedicure.

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Pedicure Safety Tips

Before heading to the salon, take a few simple steps to protect your feet:

  • Bring your own tools: Reduces the risk of contamination from shared pedicure equipment.
  • Avoid cuticle cutting: Ask the pedicurist not to cut your cuticles, as this can increase your risk of infection.
  • Skip shaving or waxing: Avoid shaving or waxing your legs at least 24 hours before your appointment to prevent irritation and open pores.
  • Check footbaths: Ensure that footbaths are thoroughly drained and cleaned between clients.
  • Book early: Try to schedule your appointment at the beginning of the day, when tools and footbaths are most likely to be clean.
  • Observe cleanliness: Look around the salon to make sure it appears clean and well-maintained.
  • Avoid pedicures if you have wounds: Do not get a pedicure if you have any cuts, scratches, or scabs on your feet or legs.

After-Pedicure Home Care

After your pedicure, there are a few things you can do to further reduce the risk of infection:

  • Moisturize: Apply a good moisturizer to your feet and around the nails to keep skin soft and healthy.
  • Exfoliate gently: Use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin.
  • Maintain nail shape: Keep your nails trimmed straight across rather than rounded to prevent ingrown nails.
  • Push back cuticles: Do not trim cuticles—only gently push them back.
  • Space out pedicures: Wait at least eight weeks between pedicures to allow your nails to recover.
  • Soak your feet: After your pedicure, soak your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes to clean the skin and nails.

When to See a Doctor

It’s important to monitor your feet for any signs of infection after a pedicure. Some symptoms to watch for include:

Signs of a fungal infection:

  • Discoloration or flaking of toenails
  • Red, itchy skin between toes (potentially athlete’s foot)
  • Small indentations in toenails
  • White spots on nails

Signs of a bacterial infection:

  • Red bumps resembling insect bites, which can develop into larger boils and may produce pus

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. People with diabetes or weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to infections and should consult a doctor at the first sign of any issues. Taking these precautions can help you enjoy your pedicure while keeping your feet healthy and infection-free.