How About a Home Pedicure?

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It’s been a stressful week of self-isolating and social distancing and we at Texas Foot Specialists hope that all or our Sugarland, Pasadena and Houston patients are taking all the necessary precautions to stay safe. Why not take a few moments to relax and treat yourself to a pedicure.

Get Started

First of all, turn off the news! Trust us, it will still be there when you’re ready to tune back in. Find a relaxing spot with soft light. Add some soothing music and a scented candle or an essential oil mister. After removing old nail polish, trim your nails with clippers. Cut straight across but not too short—you don’t want the skin surrounding the nail to start to overlap it and an ingrown toenail to form. File nails straight, moving the emery board in one direction.

A Soothing Soak

Now comes the relaxing part! Fill a basin with warm, soapy water or, use a foot bath if you have one. You can enhance your soak in a number of ways:

  • Add some Epsom salts

  • Place smooth river stones on the bottom for a massaging effect

  • Put in a few drops of essential oils for scent and stress relief

Ahhhhh! Let feet soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

Skincare Basics

Dry your feet and put a small amount of cuticle cream around the base of each nail. Then use a pumice stone or foot file and remove dead skin in areas such as the ball of your feet and your heels. Gently push back cuticles. Use an exfoliating foot (or face) scrub all over your feet and toes. Then rinse feet and wipe dry with a towel. Massage a rich moisturizing cream into your feet, giving extra care to the arch, heel and ball of the foot. Massaging your feet not only feels good, but is also good for your feet, improving circulation, energizing muscles, stimulating nerve endings and relieving tension.

A Colorful Finish

Choose a nail polish color that pleases you and start by applying a clear basecoat. Then add one to two coats of color (allowing dry time between coats) and finish with a clear topcoat.

During this pandemic, it’s important that you take time to tend to your mental, emotional and spiritual health as well as your physical. Remember, if you notice anything that looks concerning about your feet--change in shape, swelling, skin or nail discoloration or any abnormal growths, please contact our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum in our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) or Houston (713-664-6677) offices for a phone or in-person consultation.