Temperatures are on the rise which means sandals are making their come back! For many of us, that means letting our feet breath from a long, cold winter spent stuffed into boots. That’s right, it’s feet season!

Us girls want our feet looking beautiful and what better way than to get a pedicure, right? That may sound relaxing, but you should be aware of the dangers of a nail salon. The potential for infection in nail salons are greater than people realize. Here are 5 tips to consider for your next pedicure.

Always ask how they disinfect their tools

Do they use the state’s protocol with liquid disinfection, or do they use an autoclave to sterilize their implements? These are both acceptable and what you should look for in a safe salon. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Can you show me how you disinfect your pedicure chairs? Can you show me your cleaning log? Are you using single-use files on me?”
Refrain from shaving before you get a pedicure

You’re more vulnerable for infections just after you shave your legs. By shaving, the razor creates micro tears in the skin, which can allow bacteria to be introduced right into the legs. This can cause serious infections, like cellulitis. You should wait at least two days after shaving before going in for a pedicure
Never let them turn on the bubbles while you soak your feet

The jets in the whirlpool bath can harbor bacteria and fungus. The doctors here at Feet First Podiatry see about 15-20 patients a week that come in with fungal infections, like warts, nail fungus, and athlete’s foot. Find a salon that uses pipeless foot baths or individual bath liners to further avoid cross-contamination with previous clients. Plus, make sure that your salon runs a sanitization cycle for the required minimum of 10 minutes between each client. Always be sure to dry the spaces in between your toes, as that area is where organisms like fungi and bacteria tend to grow.
Is the floor dirty?

Check out the salon’s floor and make sure it’s clean. You don’t want to see clippings from people’s toenails and fingernails. The salon should be cleaning up after every client.
Are the nail technicians wearing gloves?

A survey by NAILS magazine revealed only 17% of nail techs were them regularly. A good sign you’re in a sanitary salon is a technician wearing gloves. Gloves can help reduce the transfer of bacteria from client to client.

If you think you may be experiencing some type of fungus, we are here to help you. Don’t be ashamed, it is more common than you may think. Make your appointment today to hear about our topical, oral, or laser options for your fungus.

The post Dangers of a nail salon appeared first on Feet First Podiatry, LLC.

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Dry, Cracked Heels

By dadamovsky • February 26, 2015

With the colder weather, we have seen an increase in very dry feet here at Feet First Podiatry. Dry, cracked heels are the most frequent concern. If these cracks, called fissures, become severe, they may cause bleeding, infection and pain when standing or walking.

Cold and Flu Season is Upon Us…

By dadamovsky • January 7, 2015

Cold and flu season is upon us, a time of year that sends many Americans scrambling to refresh their stockpiles of tissues, hand sanitizer and chicken soup. In all, it’s estimated that Americans suffer from 1 billion colds a year, about 2-4 each year for adults and 6-12 annually for children ages 6-12.

Happy Halloween !

By dadamovsky • October 29, 2014

Dr. Adamovsky and Staff being festive for Halloween ! The post Happy Halloween ! appeared first on Feet First Podiatry, LLC.

5 Common Myths

By dadamovsky • October 1, 2014

Here are five common myths that doctors with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) hear from their patients:

Nail Fungus

By dadamovsky • August 21, 2014

A very common problem that causes pain, embarrassment, and confusion is fungal infection of the toenails. Often, people assume that nothing can be done about it and they resign themselves to a lifetime of simple neglect. Most of the time there is not a hygiene issue and research has shown that there is a family predisposition to contracting nail fungus. Sometimes only one person becomes infected or the entire family can have a toenail problem.

Keep Your Runners Feet in Shape

By dadamovsky • August 20, 2014

“The human foot is a biological masterpiece that amazingly endures the stresses of daily activity, ” said Daniel Adamovsky, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon in the St. Charles area. “For runners, the feet are more vulnerable to injury than any other part of the body, and these athletes should be on the alert for signs of foot problems that can slow them down if not treated promptly.”

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

By dadamovsky • August 14, 2014

When a toenail is ingrown, it is curved and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This “digging in” of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe.

Back-To-School Shoe Shopping Tips

By dadamovsky • August 13, 2014

With the changing leaves and cooler weather, many adults and children will be participating in sports: football, soccer, softball, and running, to name just a few. There is also is a flurry of activity associated with back to school prep that includes parents’ outfitting their children with new wardrobes, including new shoes. Many important factors should be considered when purchasing new “kicks” for children returning to school.

Enjoy Pregnancy without Foot Pain

By dadamovsky • August 12, 2014

“Oh my aching feet” is a phrase you hear often from pregnant women. But, are sore feet a symptom they just must deal with during pregnancy? According to St. Charles foot and ankle surgeons Daniel Adamovsky, DPM and Dennis Timko, DPM the answer is “no.”