What is the Difference of Medical Foot Care from Pedicure?
Healthy feet are one of the essential elements of a healthy life. Our feet are exposed to many stresses and pressures while carrying the weight of our whole body during the day. At this point, it is extremely important to protect the health of our feet and take the right care of our feet. Pedicure and medical foot care, which stand out when it comes to foot care, are sometimes confused with each other and actually offer different approaches and results for foot care. In this article, we have explained the difference of medical foot care from pedicure for you.
What is Pedicure?
Pedicure is a method that most people know and prefer for foot care. Pedicure, which is done in a beauty salon or spa center, is a form of care to ensure the aesthetic appearance of the feet.
What is Medical Foot Care?
Medical foot care is a care process performed by a podologist (foot health specialist). Podologists are professionals who specialize in foot health. They are trained and experienced to deal with all kinds of problems related to the health of your feet.
Main Differences Between Pedicure and Medical Foot Care
Before the pedicure, the feet are usually soaked in water and the dead tissue on the feet that swell and swell with this water is removed. However, it can also damage living tissue in the process. The body produces more of it to replace the living tissue, causing a vicious cycle and feet become in need of frequent pedicures. Medical foot care, on the other hand, uses dry devices and removes only the dead skin, leaving the living tissue untouched. In this method, it is usually sufficient to care periodically once a month.
How is a pedicure done?
A professional pedicure procedure in beauty salons generally consists of some steps. Let's summarize these steps briefly.
- The pedicure process usually starts with a foot bath and the feet are washed and cleaned with soapy water. Water softens the skin and nails on your feet.
- Dead skin and calluses on the softened skin are carefully removed with pedicure tools.
- Then, toenails are cut and shaped. Nail polish can be applied according to your preference. At the same time, cuticles are cut and cleaned.
- The feet are massaged.
- Finally, moisturizer is applied to moisturize and soften the skin.
How is Medical Foot Care Performed?
Medical foot care, unlike pedicure, refers to a special care of the feet in terms of health. Such care procedures are performed by podologists who have a good command of foot anatomy and nail anatomy. In medical foot care, special devices, sterilized hand tools, disposable materials and special foot care products are used. Feet are not soaked in water, a dry process is applied.
What are the Damages of Pedicure to Foot Health?
Pedicure application, which is becoming increasingly popular today, is a frequently preferred method of beautifying and caring for our feet. However, pedicure has some risks when it is performed without the correct techniques and hygienic conditions.
- Failure to adequately sterilize the instruments used during the pedicure process may increase the risk of infection. In this case, we may encounter problems such as fungal infections, warts and nail fungus. It is important to choose a reliable salon and question the sterilization conditions. Sterilization of instruments, use of clean towels and compliance with cleaning standards are required.
- Excessive friction, filing or cutting during pedicure can damage the delicate structure of the skin. Incorrect techniques or excessive pressure can lead to skin reactions such as redness, irritation, swelling and tenderness. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the person performing the pedicure is experienced and trained. If you feel any discomfort during the procedure, you should tell them directly.
- Nail deformation can occur as a result of incorrect nail cutting techniques or excessive filing. This can lead to disfigured nails and aesthetic problems.
