Fungus 411

Why you should give yourself a Manicure/Pedicure at Home

Alison Powell
September 30, 2022

Nails protect fingers and toes from getting damaged or hurt. We do almost everything with our hands, and our nails are probably used for small, yet critical tasks.  Yet, we don't give nails, hands, and feet the attention they need. Nail care is the secret to keeping your nails strong and healthy.

Healthy and hygienic nails can help prevent many fungal infections of the nails and skin. For proper nail care pedicures and manicures are two of the most important and valuable treatments for keeping your nails healthy and strong. 

Most people frequently visit nail salons for pedicures and manicures. Anyone can enjoy them in their homes to avoid nail fungus or any other sort of nail trauma.  

How to Give Yourself a Safe Manicure and Pedicure at Home

Pedicures and manicures are linked to health risks such as fungal infections and bacterial skin infections. That doesn't mean you shouldn't get these treatments. However, when you go to a nail salon, they may use the same products for each client which may not be properly cleaned.  Bacteria and fungus can easily spread from one person to the next on unsterilized pedicure tools. Certain tools, such as nail buffers and emery boards, cannot be sterilized. These tools may not be replaced after each customer, even in the most professional salons. Also pedicure basins with jets are relaxing, but carry bacteria in the pipes. Even with a plastic liner, it’s encouraged to avoid these. 

Finally, you will get asked if you want your cuticles cut and we’ve all been guilty of saying yes. When this skin barrier is cut or taken away, it's easy for bacteria and fungi to get inside. You can also hurt the cuticle by pushing it back, which makes your feet more likely to harbor dangerous bacteria and fungi.

These risks can be eliminated when you give yourself a  manicure and pedicure at your own home. Read on to learn the best tips for achieving this at home. 

Guide to a safe manicure and pedicure at home:  

Before you get started, you will need the following tools: 

  • Nail clippers 
  • Nail file 
  • Pumice stone or foot file (optional) 
  • Lightweight body lotion 
  • Cotton round or pads 
  • Orange stick or topical cuticle remover 
  • Somewhere to soak your hands and/or feet like a bathtub or a soaking basin

If you’re wearing nail polish, make sure to remove it with a gentle nail polish remover and a cotton round. 

Step 1: Fill your basin with a bath soap and warm water. Adding Epsom salt is the best choice. Soak your hands and/or feet for 5-10 minutes to soften your cuticles. 

Step 2: Now, using a nail clipper, begin trimming your nails. If you’re treating nail fungus, it’s best to keep nails as short as possible without causing pain. You can also file your nails if you have a desired shape.  If your feet need a little more TLC, use a pumice stone or a foot file to smooth away calluses. 

Step 3: using a new orange stick, gently push back your cuticles. Do not cut them no matter how tempting it may be as open skin increases your chances of catching nail fungus. You may also opt to use a topical cuticle remover instead. 

Step 4: Treat yourself to a little self massage for your hands and/or feet. Feel free to use your favorite lightweight moisturizer to hydrate and enhance the experience. 

Step 5: Use a cotton round to remove any excess oil on your nails. 

Step 6: Now that you’ve prepped your nails and skin, feel free to finish with nail polish (unless you’re treating a fungal infection with a topical product) or buff your nails for a clean look without any color. 

If you’re struggling with an existing nail fungus infection, here’s how Caratin Rx can help you defeat and fight the pesky disease. 

Caratin Rx: The Best Treatment for Nail Trauma

In general, there are three ways to treat nail fungus:

  1. Oral prescription therapy
  2. Topical prescription therapy
  3. Laser nail therapy and/or nail removal

The topical form Caratin Rx is a safe and effective prescription therapy that combines three strong medications into one easy-to-use, topical formula. These prescription drugs kill fungus and give you a much better chance of recovering than over-the-counter medicines and home remedies. This prescription topical is only available online at CaratinRx.com, and it is delivered to your home every 30 days. There's nothing better than getting care from a board-certified doctor without having to leave your home. Spend today on the health of your nails.

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