I want to know more about pedicure. That's why I'm collecting more information about it. Let me share everything I have about pedicure with you. I will post more interesting articles from time to time. Enjoy reading!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Should I Get A Pedicure? by Jennifer Feeny

As we enter sandal season, many women head to the nail salon for a pedicure. If you are one of these women, you should know about the possibility of getting an infection such as fungal nails,warts or bacterial skin infection (cellulitis).

However, it's not all bad news, because there are some preventative measures you can take to decrease your chances of contracting an infection. First, perform a "gut check" when you walk into the nail salon. What is your initial reaction to the salon? Is it clean and tidy? It will probably be busy with customers but it's important not to overlook the small details. Second, since there is no definite way to be sure that the nail instruments being used have been thoroughly sterilized, bring your own sterile equipment and request that the employees use only what you bring. Third, bring your own nail polish and toe separators. This is a step that is often overlooked because you may think that the chemicals in the nail polish may kill bacteria or fungus or not allow it to grow. That is a common misconception that can buy you a fungal infection. The nail polish brush is repeatedly dipped into the container and then applied to your toe. Do you know who picked that color before you? Maybe that person had a fungal nail infection. This is especially important for toe separators. Studies have shown that the second most common area for bacterial and fungal contamination is between the toes, the first being the nail folds. Next, bring your own shoes to wear once your treatment is complete. If the salon has new one-time use disposable shoes to wear, those are fine, provided you see that they are removed from the package in your presence. These precautions are not meant to alarm you but just to make you aware of the issues and help you be an advocate for your foot health.

Many women get pedicures because they have ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis), and they want broken or thickened nails trimmed. Be warned, it is not wise to substitute a pedicure for appropriate medical treatment. Nail technicians performing the pedicures are not medical professionals and may not be aware that the discoloration of your toenails is a sign of a fungal infection called onychomycosis. Diabetics risk injury to your feet or toes which can lead to a serious infection requiring hospitalization. Many times minor nicks and cuts can occur during the course of your pedicure, which can be dangerous for individuals that are diabetic. Pedicures should not be painful; if it is, then tell them to stop. Also, you want to be sure that the individual performing your pedicure is not overzealous in pushing back and/or cutting the cuticles. Bleeding can occur if the cuticle is pushed back too far. this cut can lead to a painful skin infection. Any break in the skin can be an entry point for bacteria and viruses. Those dry,cracked heels leave your feet vulnerable to infection.

Always remember, if you have any toenail or foot problem, it is best to seek professional podiatric care as soon as possible.

Copyright (c) 2009 Jennifer Feeny
As a podiatrist specializing in foot pain, Dr. Jennifer Feeny has helped many people with foot infections related to pedicures. Her practice, Shenandoah Podiatry, is located near Roanoke Virginia. For great foot health tips, visit her website http://www.ShenandoahPodiatry.com or her blog http://roanokepodiatrist.blogspot.com/

Article Source: articledashboard.com

A Look At The Various Pedicure Tools Used In Salons by Muna wa Wanjiru

A pedicure is a novel procedure to enhance the appearance of the feet, and the look of the nails. Pedicure is a procedure that is similar to manicure. The origin of the word pedicure is the Latin words cura and pes, which mean foot and care respectively.

In order to get a goof pedicure, one can either go to a beauty salonor parlour, or one can get it done with the help of a friend, at home itself.


There are a number of pedicure tools that one will need before they can get started with the actual procedure of a pedicure.

Some of the basic pedicure tools that one would require for the most meagre of pedicures are:

Nail cutters or nail clippers-These are required to clip and shape the edges of the nails and are an important part of pedicure tools. Make sure the nail cutter shape is specific for the type of mails you want to cut-fingers, or feet.

Nail filer- The nail filer is used to file the nails and to provide the finishing effect to the nails, by shaping the nails after the clipping is done.

Cuticle cutter- The cuticle cutter is used to cut the cuticles. Always take caution while cutting the cuticles; you could hurt yourself if not.

Cuticle pusher-This is used to push the cuticles back.

Nailbrush- this is used to apply the coats of nail polish and also to coal the surface of the nails with various paints and decorative substances and is also one of the important pedicure tools.

Orange stick - The orange stick is nothing but a small and slightly flat stick, which is round at the end and has a flat tip as well. The orange stick is used for cleansing the nails and also for pushing back cuticles in the absence of a cuticle pusher. It appears like a small tongue depressor, around 4 inches in length and 0.5 inches wide approximately. As the name itself suggest, they are mostly orange in color and are one of the necessary items among the pedicure tools.

An orange stick can also be used for cleaning the under of ones nails, or to buff out and clean the toe of finger nails, or to push down carefully, the cuticle that is growing above the toenail. You can do all these actions without an orange stick as well, but the orange sticks that are currently available are cheap, fit easily in purses, and are just basically useful in the sense of the number of things you can do with one. Originally, these were made of orange wood, and hence derived their name from their source. Now, they are available in a variety of different materials.

Pumice stones: Another tool that is very important for any home pedicure is the pumice stone.The pumice stone is used as anabrasive, specifically in polishing, in cosmetic exfoliants, and also for stone-washed jean material. "Pumice stones" are also frequently used in parlors and salons for the acutal pedicure procedure to withdraw dry as well as excessive skin from the under or bottom area of the foot and for calluses as well.

Moisturiser: The moisturiser is used to sanitize and moisturize the skin of the foot and fingers both before and after the procedure is complete.

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Pedicure for Years. For More Information on pedicure tools, Visit His Site at PEDICURE TOOLSI Will Also Highly Appreciate Your Views On pedicure tools At My Blog here Pedicure Tools

Article Source: articledashboard.com

The Perfect Home Pedicure by Lynn K

Lets face it our feet take one awful beating each and everyday. Perhaps that’s why after a good pedicure they feel wonderful, because of the before and after contrast. The following will take you through a step by step home pedicure where you can let the items you use do the work for you, and you can enjoy the effects.

Step One:
Gather up all the products you are going to need which are 2 large pan (or footbath).2 towels, a pumice stone, a body scrub, nail file, foot file, scissors, and foot cream.


Step Two:
It would be ideal if you had a proper footbath with all the features like the massager and the heat control. If not then two large, deep pans will work just fine. Fill the first pan with comfortably warm water, and the second one a little warmer because it will sit for a while before you get to use it.

Step Three:
Start by soaking both feet in the first pan of water. Soak them for about five minutes while you just sit back and enjoy. Then take one foot out and in a circular motion gently rub the foot scrub over the entire foot, both top and bottom. Put this foot back into the same water and repeat for the other foot.


Step Four:
Wet your pumice stone and shake off the excess water. Working on the one foot damp dry it and gently work the pumice stone over the callused areas of your foot.
If your feet are heavily callused, do not attempt to remove it all at one. This will require several pedicures. Make sure you keep the pumice stone damp but not dripping wet. You don’t want it too dry or it will create friction and could make the calluses painful.

Step Five:
Rinse both feet well, and push aside the first pan of water and put the second pan in front of you. Now soak both feet for two or three minutes. This is your rinse water. Take out one foot dry and cut your toe nails straight across.
File them with the soft side of the nail file to remove any rough edges. Put this foot back in the water and repeat for the other foot.

Step Six:
Take one foot out of the water dry and gentle use the foot file over the heavy built up areas of skin on the bottom and sides of the feet. Use the coarse side of the file first then the smooth side. Put this foot back in the water and rinse well. Repeat for the other foot.


Step Seven.
Dry both feet well especially between the toes. Now give both your feet a thorough massage with your foot cream.
Be careful when you stand up as the cream will make your feet slippery, and you don’t want to fall.

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Article Source: articledashboard.com

A Safe Pedicure by Peter Wishnie

You have been in your heels all day and you begin to daydream about you pedicurist. How great it would be to escape the kids, the hustle and bustle, and get your feet pampered. But it may cost you. Did you know that you may be on pedicure away from a nasty infection or even death! No, I am not exaggerating. In Texas, a young woman was cut by a pumice stone. The open wound got infected by bacteria lurking in the whirlpool.

After 6 months of fighting off the chronic wound, the women contracted mrsa and this nasty infection caused her death.
This could never happen at your salon right? Think again. You are at risk of getting a nasty infection at almost any salon. Here are some helpful hints to keep your feet safe but still pretty.

1) Ask Critical Questions! Have you ever asked your pedicurist how they clean their tools or the foot spa. Take a look at the spa chair. Is it stainless steel? Are they cleaning the chairs in between customers? Does the spa treat customers with foot infections, nail fungus, or athlete's foot? I am guessing you never thought to ask any of these questions. I am sorry to inform you that you will not like the answers.

2) Cleaned tools are disinfected tools Most states only regulate tools to be sanitized. Though this has antibacterial properties, the only way to be sure that there are no bacteria or fungus is to disinfect the tools by an autoclave. Why you ask? When sanitizing, you are simply placing the tools into a solution. How do you know they were put into the solution for a long enough time? You don't. You have to trust that they were properly sanitized. Yes just trust there is nothing nasty growing on that nail clipper. With an autoclave, markers are used that change color when the tool was properly disinfected at a high enough temperature for an appropriate amount of time. An easy way to avoid this controversy is to invest in your own set of tools to bring with you to the pedicurist. This will ensure that your nail clipper doesn't have your neighbor's nail fungus tucked into the hinge.

3) Find a spa that uses stainless steel spa chairs. There have been several bacterial outbreaks that have been traced back to a spa. The cause is a mycobacterium that thrives in the plastic piping and filter of a pedicure chair. Fungus in the pipes! Gross! Many chair spas are made out of fiberglass which is very difficult to properly clean without damaging. The plastic piping is a haven due to its inability to never completely drain. This leads to cross contamination. You are basically putting your feet in water used by the customer before you, before them, before the one before and so on. The ideal pedicure chair should be stainless steel which is much easier to clean. It is also important for the chair to be pipeless to ensure you are not sharing the same water with every foot that has ever stepped in for a soaking.

4) Does your spa treat customers with foot infections, nail fungus, foot fungus? Nasty stinky, fungus growing demands! When I say nail fungus, many of us think of an old man with thick nasty looking nails. You may be unaware that nail fungus infects woman of all ages just as prominently as men. Are they at your spa? A pedicurist should not be treating infected feet due to the high risk of cross contamination. They are strongly advised to refer the customer to a podiatric physician before working on their feet. None of this is regulated so your spa may be pumicing bacteria and fungus and putting you at high risk!

5) Avoid fake nails and nail polish Fake nails are a haven for bacteria and fungus. What nail technicians refer to as fake nail greening is actually a pseudomonas bacteria infection. Your cuticle is your body's natural defense system against infection. During a nail "workup" they push, damage, and remove your cuticle giving bacteria an open door to your into your body! Nail polish can also trap bacteria, but more importantly, you are unable to notice changes in your nail or under your nail due to the polish over coating. Changes in your nail or nail bed are signs of infections and should be attended to immediately. If you can't resist the Hot Pink nails, try an antibacterial nail polish. Many podiatric physicians provide this in their office or on their websites. 6)Find a Podiatry Approved Nail Spa Podiatric Physicians are more than just surgeon of the foot and ankle. They are foot specialist. They can advise you with all o f your foot and ankle issues.

They can even advise you on proper pedicures. Some podiatrists provide pedicures in their office! They are very well aware of the risks involved in pedicures and can recommend a spa and techniques that will assure your safety.

Dr. Peter Wishnie is a podiatrist who specializes in foot and ankle surgery. His office is in Piscataway/Hillsborough,NJ. His goals are to educate the public on the care of their feet and ankles and to get them functioning as quickly as possible. For more foot health tips on foot pain, get a Free copy of their book, "Got Feet," by visiting their website: http://www.stopfootpainfast.com

Article Source: articledashboard.com

Unique Gift Ideas, Mother's Day by Caitlina Fuller

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and it is time to start thinking of some unique ideas for mom. Mother’s Day gift ideas you hear about on television or the radio are pretty much the same every year. Things like flowers, chocolates, or just a card are frequently touted as the best gifts for moms. However, take the time to come up with a great gift idea to show your mother how much you appreciate her and how much she means to you.

One fabulous gift idea is a gift card for a manicure and pedicure. Women love to have beautiful fingernails and toenails and especially so since it is sandal time. So this is a great gift idea that your mom is sure to love and really appreciate. Moms don’t get enough pampering and having a manicure and pedicure will make them feel extra special and allow them to relax for just a moment in time. Not to mention they will look extra beautiful as a result. There is one thing to be sure of though before you buy your gift certificate and that is to make sure the salon uses top quality nail polish. There are lots of great brands but two of the best are Creative Nail and OPI Nail Polish.

The majority of good nail salons carry these brands so if you forget to ask then don’t worry too much. However, if you think about it just double-check so you are sure you are giving your mom the best gift possible for mother’s day.

Another fun gift you could give your mom in addition to the manicure and pedicure is a small basket of nail supplies. That way she can keep her nails looking beautiful all summer long regardless of whether she is able to get a manicure and pedicure every week or not. Some fun supplies to include are nail clippers nail files, buffers, and OPI nail polish or another good salon brand. You might also include some nice lotion, nail polish remover, and other necessary supplies.

At first you may feel at a loss as to what to buy your mom for this special day. However, if you think about it you can come up with great ideas like the one outlined above that will make your mom feel special and appreciated and make you look like the best child ever!

Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. One fabulous gift idea is a gift card for a manicure and pedicure. Women love to have beautiful fingernails and toenails and especially so since it is sandal time. There are lots of great brands but two of the best are Creative Nail and OPI Nail Polish. Some fun supplies to include are nail clippers nail files, buffers, and OPI nail polish or another good salon brand.

Article Source: articledashboard.com

Day Spa's - A Woman's Dream Come True by Larry S.

In a world filled with difficulties and stress, it helps to find a way to get some relaxation and stress relief. One fantastic way to find this type of stress relief is going to a day spa. Day spa’s are notorious for taking in tense and stress out people and sending them back into their routine feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Day spas consist of a variety of services that will bring relaxing, refreshing, and healing to your muscles and skin. The spa techniques also can help beautify your physical appearance. Some of the spa activities include the following: massages, plunge pools, body masks, body wraps, facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing, tinting, and even laser hair removal.

The Day Spa massages in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast include: relaxation massage, healing massage, hot stone massage, and pregnancy massage. The massages are much more relaxing and therapeutic at a day spa rather than a regular massage therapist. The spa therapist will use basalt lava rocks during the hot stone massage. The heat from the lava rocks increase circulation, while removing tension.

If you want to improve your overall skin quality, a famous Gold Gold Coast Facial or a body mask would serve your needs. Also, you can improve the look and feel of your feet by treating yourself to a Gold Coast Pedicure. In this type of pedicure, your Feet are soaked in a natural solution. The next step involves the hydration and treating of the cuticles. The pedicure is finished with an exfoliation of the calluses in order to make them softer. A Gold Coast Manicure is also available at a day spa on the Gold Coast of Australia.

After all of the therapeutic spa treatments, you can make yourself look even more beautiful by having unwanted hair removed by waxing or laser hair removal. You can also have a splash tan applied or a tint applied to eyebrows or eyelashes.

It is a woman’s dream to be spoiled and all of this can be achieved by visiting a day spa.

Article Source: articledashboard.com