Keeping Your Toes Pretty for Spring

Let's face it, spring and summer in Charleston means it's time to bring out the flip flops and open toed sandals. Many of our patients enjoy getting pedicures once this time of year comes around, but we have to be sure they stay safe when getting pedicures. If they've been wearing nail polish all winter long and remove it, they may notice a yellowing of the toenail. This may be a fungus as the nail polish hasn't given the nail any opportunity to breathe. To keep your toenails looking clear and fungus free. We offer a simple treatment called Clear Nails-pro. This is the liquid form of the oral Lamisil that is taken by mouth. Clear nails is a topical antifungal treatment which consists of Ciclopirox, Lamisil, and fluconazole. This option for treatment of fungal infected toenails is safe, minimal cost, and easy to apply.

Some other pedicure pointers from our friends at the APMA include:

Schedule your pedicure first thing in the morning. Salon foot baths are typically cleanest earlier in the day. If you're not a morning person, make sure that the salon filters and cleans the foot bath between clients.

Bring your own pedicure utensils to the salon. Bacteria and fungus can move easily from one person to the next if the salon doesn't use proper sterilization techniques.

When eliminating thick, dead skin build-up, also known as calluses, on the heel, ball and sides of the feet, use a pumice stone, foot file or exfoliating scrub. Soak feet in warm water for at least five minutes, then use the stone, scrub, or foot file to gently smooth calluses and other rough patches.

When trimming nails, use a toenail clipper with a straight edge to ensure your toenail is cut straight across. Other tools like manicure scissors or fingernail clippers increase the risk of ingrown toenails because of their small, curved shape. See a podiatrist if you have a tendency to develop ingrown toenails.

Have questions? Call us at Carolina Foot Specialists
Charleston Office
843-225-5575
Mount Pleasant Office
843-654-8250