Pedicures are a wonderful way to treat yourself to something nice that will boost your appearance for weeks. But if you have a toenail fungus, you may wonder if you can — or should — have a pedicure. The good news is that you both can and should. Here are a few things to know before you go.
Talk to the Technician. Don't hide the fact that you struggle with a nail fungus and surprise your technician during the appointment. Instead, talk to the salon before your visit to ask them how they want to handle the situation. Some salons may suggest you receive proper treatment before getting a pedicure, but others are happy to work with you and be discreet. Whether or not you get a pedicure right now, the nail salon technician can provide practical help to keep your toes happy and healthy.
Bring Some Supplies. Your salon may ask that you bring in some supplies of your own or skip some pedicure steps so as to avoid contaminating their materials unnecessarily. To protect other clients, you could bring in your own nail polish — both colored and clear — and some basic pedicure tools. You may even want to purchase two bottles of polish — one for the infected nails and one for the healthy nails — to avoid cross-contamination on your own toes.
Ask About Procedures. Some nail salons may even be able to help with your nail fungus itself. A laser treatment is now available which treats the fungus with a light beam over the affected area. This FDA-approved and non-invasive procedure is a specialized offering, but it can help get rid of your problem in as little as two visits. If your nail salon doesn't offer this, they may also be able to recommend some nonprescription home remedies, such as tea tree oil.
Feel Free to Camouflage. If you are already receiving treatment for your nail fungus, there's nothing wrong with engaging in a little camouflage to make your toes temporarily look pretty. The technician can perform light cleanup of the infected nails and then apply a nice polish you've brought in. The result will be a nail that looks relatively normal — perfect for important events or that fun trip to the beach. Remove the polish at home, though, and avoid keeping the nail covered up for long periods of time.
It's no fun to have a toenail fungus, but it's not the end of the world either. Be open with your nail salon and be willing to make some adjustments to keep everyone safe and comfortable. The result will be a stress-free pedicure visit and happier feet.
