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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Ask Doctor K: Pamper your feet at home

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DEAR DOCTOR K: Last time I got a pedicure, I ended up with fungus. I’m not taking another chance. Any advice for an at-home, do-it-yourself pedicure?

DEAR READER: A pedicure is a great way to pamper your feet. But salons don’t always maintain the best standards.

If you’re determined to try a DIY pedicure, pick up a basic pedicure kit at a pharmacy. Then follow these directions:

Fill a basin with warm water.

Soak your feet, until the skin and nails soften.

Dry your feet with a towel.

Gently rub a pumice stone against your skin to remove any dead skin cells.

Take care of the cuticles. Rub lotion onto your toenails to soften the skin at the bottom and sides of your nail. Gently push the cuticles to the base of the nails, using an orange stick or a moist washcloth. Don’t cut the cuticles.

Clean underneath your nails with an orange stick wrapped in cotton or soaked in water.

Cut your toenails straight across with clippers. Smooth the edges with an emery board.

Apply lotion to your feet.

Apply nail polish. Allow each coat to dry.

Scrub metal tools, such as toenail clippers, with soap and water. Then disinfect them with rubbing alcohol, Lysol or peroxide. Clean the basin the same way.

The problem with DIY pedicures is, particularly as we get older, it can be hard to do work on your own feet. So before you commit to DIY, I’d suggest you consider giving nail salons another try. But make sure:

The pedicurist sterilizes reusable instruments.

The instruments have been stored in a clean, dry container.

Devices like whirlpool baths shared by clients are disinfected after each use.

The pedicurist does not file corns or calluses or use any sharp instrument on your feet.

If the pedicurist uses disposable instruments, then some of the above is irrelevant. Another alternative is for you to bring your own instruments, after having sterilized them with alcohol.

If this seems pushy, just explain you’ve had bad experiences with pedicures and you’re simply being careful.