Preventing and Treating Foot and Toenail Fungus from Pedicures

Understanding Toenail and Foot Fungus During Pedicures

Getting a pedicure can be a relaxing self-care ritual. Unfortunately, pedicures come with some risk of developing toenail fungus or other fungal infections on your feet. Fungus thrives in the warm, moist environment created by foot baths. With some education on prevention and early treatment, you can still enjoy pedicures safely.

How Pedicures Can Cause Fungal Infections

Fungus and bacteria love warm, dark, moist places like the inside of pedicure foot baths. The tools used in pedicures can easily transfer infections from client to client if proper sanitation practices are not followed.

Some of the common infections that can be picked up at the nail salon include:

• Toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
• Athlete's foot
• Plantar warts

While pedicures do not directly cause these conditions, they allow easier transmission from those who already have infections. Cracks in the skin or nails make it even easier for fungus and bacteria to take hold.

Preventing Fungal Infections from Pedicures

While there is always a risk associated with pedicures, there are steps you can take to prevent fungal infections:

1. Verify the salon properly cleans tools and foot baths between clients.
2. Bring your own pedicure tools if allowed.
3. Wear shower shoes in public pedicure tubs.
4. Skip callus removers that break the skin barrier.
5. Rinse feet after treatment to wash away fungus.
6. Dry carefully between toes after washing feet.
7. Apply antifungal powder or spray after pedicure.
8. Treat minor cuts with antiseptic immediately.
9. See a doctor for injuries that do not easily heal.

Spotting Early Signs of Fungal Infections

Catching fungal infections quickly improves odds of treatment success. Carefully inspect your feet and nails after every pedicure. The earliest signs include:

• Red, peeling, itchy, or inflamed skin
• White, yellow or black toenail discoloration
• Brittle, distorted, or thickened nails
• Debris building up under nail edges
• Pus-filled blisters around nails

Schedule an appointment with your doctor at the first sign of infection. Leaving fungal infections untreated for too long reduces the chances standard medications can resolve them.

Treating Common Fungal Infections from Pedicures

Successful treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis and following doctor recommendations diligently. You may need to temporarily stop getting pedicures while undergoing treatment. Options include:

Medicated Nail Polish for Mild Infections

Surface-level fungal infections sometimes respond to medicated polishes containing ingredients like ciclopirox. These products starve fungi by preventing them from absorbing nutrients from skin and nails.

Medicated polish works best on toenails when the infection remains superficial. Simply brush the polish onto affected nails once per day. After about a week, you scrape off the layers of old polish so the medicated ingredients continue penetrating.

Oral Medications for Stubborn Fungal Cases

Oral antifungal medications combat stubborn toenail fungus invading deeply into the nails and cuticles. They work by interfering with the fungis ability to reproduce or constructing cell walls.

The most common oral medications for pedicure-related fungal infection include terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox). Treatment runs for 6 to 12 weeks depending on severity. Labs tests are necessary to monitor liver function while taking these powerful medications.

Debridement to Remove Infected Nail Tissue

Sometimes fungi infecting toenails release toxins irritating surrounding skin. Removing part or all of the nail surgically through debridement provides relief. Typically performed under local anesthesia, the procedure reduces pain and risk of bacterial infection.

After debridement, apply antifungal cream daily while monitoring nail regrowth. Destroying nail bed tissue through surgical or chemical ablation remains a last resort for recurrence despite other treatments.

Preventing Reinfection After Treatment

Knocking out fungal infections is only half the battle - you need to prevent recurrence through diligent foot care and limiting pedicure risks. Sticking to the following guidelines improves your odds of remaining infection free:

1. Soak feet in vinegar water once per week.
2. Alternate pedicures with self foot care at home
3. Use all disposable pedicure tools when going to salons
4. Apply antifungal spray after towel drying feet
5. Dust antifungal powder into shoes/socks
6. Disinfect bathroom surfaces regularly
7. Replace old shoes and shower products
8. File nails short and smooth
9. Avoid picking at cuticles or hangnails

With diligence, you can safely enjoy pedicures without inviting toenail fungus or more serious foot infections. Pay close attention for early signs of problems and see your doctor promptly for unusual symptoms arising after nail care. Sticking to preventive strategies also reduces risk of picking up infections from pedicures in the first place.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.