Over the holidays, you might have received a gift certificate to a local spa or nail salon, or perhaps you are looking to start the New Year with a fresh manicure and pedicure. Although these outings can be relaxing, you might not be aware of improper sanitation and hygiene practices, which can lead to bacterial and fungal growth on the instruments. Instead, the next time you have a free afternoon, treat yourself to an at-home pedicure by following these steps:

1. Remove existing nail polish by using cotton balls and nail polish remover.
2. Soften and clean your feet and toes by soaking your feet in warm and soapy water, gently scrubbing them, and then rinsing them off.
3. Use a pumice stone or file to exfoliate away layers of dead skin on your heel and ball of your foot.
4. Trim your toenails straight across and leave them approximately as long as the nail bed. With a file, smooth out the rough edges.
5. Push back or trim overgrown cuticles, taking extra care not to tear or scrape them and risk bleeding and infection.
6. Moisturize your feet using your favorite lotion, spending some extra time to massage tense areas. Rolling a tennis ball or water bottle under your foot is one effective method.
7. Finally, remove excess moisturizer and cotton ball from your nail, and apply your nail polish of choice, leaving plenty of time for it to completely dry before putting on shoes and socks.

An at-home pedicure is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with family and friends, and you can be sure that all of the instruments you use are clean. If your foot health is affected by a pedicure, then board-certified podiatrist Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico can surely help! At Syracuse Podiatry, Dr. D’Amico can treat fungal nails, ingrown toenails, athlete’s foot, and much more. Patients of all ages are invited to contact us or call our Fayetteville office at (315) 446-3668!