READER'S ROCK LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE VOL 2 ISSUE 4 NOVEMBER 2014 Vol. 1 Issue 8 Feb. 2014 | Page 54

Is it better to look good or feel good?
Both, when you're pondering pedicures
(BPT) - Whether you're getting
ready for a romantic evening out,
or looking ahead to when sandal
days are back again, treating your
feet to a pedicure can help you look
and feel your best - as long as you
keep foot health front of mind.
It's important to ensure your
pedicure is done properly, whether
you're doing it yourself at home or
enjoying a professional treatment
in a nail salon or spa. The
American Podiatric Medical
Association (APMA) offers some
pedicure pointers to help you love
how your feet look and feel:
* Start with a good soak in warm
water for at least five minutes. This
will help soften calluses and prep
feet for removing dry, rough skin.
To exfoliate, use a pumice stone or
foot file. Never use a foot razor to
remove dead skin, and ban your
pedicurist from using one on you.
It's too easy for a quick slip-up that
could cause permanent damage or
lead to serious infection.
* Shave your legs a day or two

before your professional pedicure,
but not the day of. Shaving can
cause minor abrasions and fissures
in the skin, allowing bacteria to
enter while your feet soak or the
nail technician handles your feet. A
little bit of stubble won't bother her
at all.
* When doing a home pedicure,
use toenail clippers with a straight
edge and cut nails straight across.
Avoid other cutting tools, such as
manicure scissors, as they can
increase the risk of ingrown nails.
For salon pedicures, bring your
own tools; shared tools can spread
bacteria if they haven't been
properly cleaned. Use an emery
board to smooth and round nail
edges.
* Never permit a nail technician to
cut or trim cuticles, which protect
nail beds from bacteria. Instead,
use a rubber cuticle pusher or
liquid remover to gently push back
cuticles just a little bit. Use a
wooden or rubber manicure stick never metal or anything sharp - to
clean beneath nails.

* Remove polish after it's been on
for a while. Keeping nails polished
for extended periods may promote
fungal growth. Leave toe nails
polish-free for a few days between
pedicures.
* Post pedicure, don't walk around
in flimsy flip-flops, especially the
ones salons sometimes give
customers before they leave. They
don't provide adequate protection
or support for your feet.
* Look for foot-friendly products
that have earned the APMA's Seal
of Acceptance or Approval.
Podiatrists have evaluated these
products and found them to be
beneficial to foot health.
Finally, never put up with foot
pain. Discomfort and pain that lasts
longer than several days could be a
sign of a more serious problem or
infection. Seek treatment from a
podiatrist - the foot and ankle
expert