Getting a pedicure is a great way to pamper yourself and keep your feet looking their best. However, it’s important to take precautions to prevent fungal infections. Fungal infections can be painful, unsightly, and difficult to get rid of.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of fungal infections during your pedicure. Here are ten tips to help keep your feet healthy and fungus-free:.

1. Choose a reputable salon

Make sure the salon you choose is reputable, clean, and well-maintained. Look for a salon that has a good reputation for cleanliness and hygiene. Check that all tools and equipment are sterilized between clients to prevent the spread of infections.

2. Bring Your Tools

Some people prefer to bring their own tools along to their pedicure appointment. Bringing your own tools eliminates the possibility of sharing nail files, buffers, and clippers with other people, which can spread infections.

Alternatively, if bringing your tools is not an option, ensure that the salon sterilizes their tools between clients.

3. Don’t Shave Before Pedicure

Shaving your legs or feet before a pedicure increases your risk of developing an infection. Open hair follicles can become infected. It’s best to shave several days before your appointment to allow your skin to heal and prevent any irritation.

4. Avoid Cutting the Cuticles

Your cuticles play an important role in protecting your nails from infections. Cutting your cuticles can damage the skin, leaving your nails vulnerable to fungi. Instead of cutting cuticles, gently push them back with a wooden or rubber cuticle pusher.

5. Opt For Platform Flip-Flops Over Plastic

While plastic flip-flops may be cute and cheap, they’re not the best option for a post-pedicure shoe. Plastic flip flops can trap moisture and bacteria on your feet, increasing your risk of developing a fungal infection.

Opt for platform flip-flops instead. They’re better ventilated and drier, reducing the risk of any fungal infection.

6. Choose a Polish That Resists Fungal Infections

When choosing a nail polish, opt for one that has antifungal properties. Antifungal polishes contain ingredients such as tea tree oil and garlic that help combat fungal infections.

These polishes can be a good preventative measure to keep your nails healthy and strong.

7. Give Your Feet a Breather

Wearing shoes all day or having sweaty feet can promote fungal growth. Give your feet a breather. Spend some time barefoot or in open-toed sandals to let them breathe. Also, rotate your shoes daily, allowing each pair to air out for at least a day.

8. Keep Your Feet Dry

If your feet are excessively sweaty, use an antifungal powder to keep them dry. This will help reduce moisture, which is a breeding ground for fungi. Loose-fitting shoes allow air circulation and help keep feet dry.

When drying your feet after a shower, make sure to dry thoroughly between the toes.

9. Cleanse Your Feet After the Gym

If you’ve been exercising at the gym, be sure to clean your feet with soap and water afterwards. This will help remove sweat and bacteria that can promote fungal growth.

Additionally, wear shower sandals in the locker room to avoid coming into contact with any fungi.

10. Watch for Signs of Infection

Even with the best preventative measures, fungal infections can still occur. Watch for signs of infection such as itching, redness or discharge around the nail bed or under the nail itself.

If you notice any of these signs, see a podiatrist or dermatologist to treat it promptly.