The Hidden Risks of Pedicures: Protect Your Feet with Expert Tips from Dr. Ho-Ellsworth

Pedicures are a beloved self-care ritual, but they can pose significant health risks if proper hygiene standards are not maintained. As a leading expert in foot care, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth of Align Foot & Ankle emphasizes the importance of understanding these risks and taking proactive steps to protect your feet.

The Risks Lurking in Pedicure Baths

Pedicure baths, if not properly sanitized, can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and fungi. Studies have shown that these baths can harbor a variety of pathogens, including:

  1. Mycobacterium fortuitum: A type of non-tuberculous mycobacterium that can cause skin infections, leading to painful boils and abscesses.
  2. Pseudomonas aeruginosa: This bacterium is notorious for causing hot tub folliculitis, characterized by red, itchy bumps around hair follicles.
  3. Staphylococcus aureus: Commonly found on the skin, it can lead to serious infections if it enters through cuts or abrasions.
  4. Fungi such as Trichophyton and Epidermophyton: These are common culprits behind fungal infections like athlete’s foot and onychomycosis (nail fungus).

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology highlights the prevalence of these pathogens in inadequately sanitized foot baths, underscoring the importance of stringent hygiene practices.

Dr. Ho-Ellsworth’s Recommendations for Safe Pedicures

While Dr. Ho-Ellsworth prefers at-home pedicures for optimal safety, she recognizes that many people enjoy the pampering experience of a salon. To mitigate risks, she recommends bringing your own products to the salon, specifically those that offer comprehensive protection against infections.

1. Tolcylen Antifungal Foot Soak: This product is a game-changer in pedicure safety. Offered at Align Foot & Ankle, the Tolcylen foot soak is antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral, providing a robust defense against potential pathogens in salon foot baths. To use, simply add a scoop of the Tolcylen foot soak to the pedicure salon foot bath and let it dissolve in the warm water before placing your feet in.

Tolcylen Soak: The Tolcylen™ Daily Micro-Cleansing Foot Soak combines moisturizers, cleansers, and conditioners in a soothing crystalline salt base for a spa-like experience. Patients with mild skin and nail conditions and those transitioning from the therapeutic soak can benefit from routine soaking, resulting in clean, soft, rejuvenated, and healthy-looking feet.

2. DaniPro Antifungal Gel Nail Polish: Nail polish can be a vector for fungi, especially if the bottles are shared among multiple clients. DaniPro’s antifungal gel nail polish, available at our clinic, offers a stylish and safe option. DaniPro gel nail polish is offered in a range of colors and can also be ordered. It targets dried, thirsty nails, making them stronger and silkier in only three weeks.

DaniPro Nail Polish:

  • Blends five lavishly rich oils: Coconut, Passiflora, Apricot, Avocado, and Salicornia.
  • Amino acids stimulate the formation of keratin.
  • Extra-smoothing complex seals down keratin cells.
  • Infused with Undecylenic acid.

3. ModPod Antifungal Cuticle Oil: Cuticle care is crucial for overall nail health. ModPod antifungal cuticle oil, enriched with natural antifungal agents, helps maintain healthy cuticles while preventing fungal infections. Are your nails discolored, thick, or brittle? Dealing with chronically dry cuticles? We’ve got just what you need! This 4-in-1 REPAIR oil is packed with prescription-strength ingredients and natural, organic oils to transform your nails. Say goodbye to fungus and discoloration, and hydrate your cuticles with our best seller!

4. Topical Tolcylen Antifungal Treatment: For existing fungal infections, the topical Tolcylen antifungal treatment is an effective solution to clear up infections quickly and safely.

5. ModPod Callus Stick: Introducing our revolutionary callus eraser that’ll transform your skin like no other! Our unique formula is specially designed to heal rough, dry, and cracked skin by harnessing the powerful properties of urea and tea tree oil. It also serves as an aid to fight fungus. Experience the difference and reveal your hydrated, healthy skin in as little as two weeks!

Embrace the At-Home Pedicure Experience

For those who prefer the safety and comfort of home, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth offers tips for creating a spa-like pedicure experience:

  • Start with a Clean Foot Bath: Use a sanitized basin and fill it with warm water and Tolcylen foot soak to cleanse and protect your feet.
  • Trim and Shape Nails Carefully: Use sterilized tools to avoid introducing any pathogens.
  • Apply DaniPro Nail Polish: Enjoy beautiful, healthy nails with the added protection of antifungal properties.
  • Finish with ModPod Cuticle Oil: Nourish and protect your cuticles to complete your pedicure.
  • ModPod Callus Stick: Transform rough, dry, and cracked skin and calluses with this super easy-to-use product, made with urea and tea tree oil for hydrated, healthy skin.

By following these recommendations, you can enjoy the luxury of a pedicure while safeguarding your foot health. Visit Align Foot & Ankle to purchase these protective products and consult with Dr. Ho-Ellsworth for personalized foot care advice. Contact us at 512-882-4911 or book your appointment online. For more tips and updates on foot and ankle health, follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.