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Pedi Protection 101

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WHAT LURKS IN THE WATERS OF YOUR LOCAL SPA OR MANICURE SALON...& WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
By Stella Louise, Contributing Writer, Fashiontribes.com
Photos: SheKnows.com

Los Angeles is the land of the bargain-priced pedicure! People have been known to book trips to Disneyland and the beach – and schedule appointments to get their toes clipped, buffed and painted whenever they visit. Unfortunately, a passion for pedicures comes at a price, as American Idol judge Paula Abdul testified about in front of the California State Legislature, describing the devastating infection she got from a nail salon. Similarly, over 100 women suffered an outbreak of infection from a Watsonville, California salon in 1999 & 2000, while in 2004, a number of people in San Jose complained about leg lesions and infections on their legs. The outbreaks were mainly due to the lack of cleaning pedicure equipment properly, and while the Legislature passed a bill establishing minimum safety requirements in nail salons, it was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger.

“While the popularity of pedicures is on the rise, unfortunately so are the risks of infection and illness,” notes podiatrist Dr. Colleen Schwartz, a podiatrist with a mission to help people avoid salon-acquired infections by helping them choose nail salons that observe good hygiene – such as spa chair cleaning protocols, and using removable basin liners. “Education is paramount for personal safety.” She also devised a practical solution: the SOS (Save Our Soles) Safe Salon Pedicure Kit, a personal, portable pedicure kit. Small enough to slip into a handbag---or, for purseless pedicure aficionados (a.k.a. “men”), the convenient 8” x 3” x 1.5” plastic box with sliding drawer is easily transportable via glove compartment and slipped inside a folded up copy of the L.A. Times. A set of instructions is included on getting a safe, infection-free pedicure, along with:

- Professional quality toenail clipper
- Cuticle nipper
- Cuticle pusher with cleaner curette
- Nail file block
- Callus file
- Orange stick
- Nail brush
- Toe separators
- Lavender & Tea Tree Essential Moisturizing oil

Between pedis, the slide-out drawer doubles as a container for soaking & cleaning your instruments between uses. Just let them sit in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 20 minutes, and voila…sanitized tools = no pedicure infections! In addition to a soothing smell and feel, the Essential Moisturizing oil acts as an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent due to the addition of the Tea Tree oil. Massaged into newly manicured hands or pedicured toes, it will help prevent infections.

At under $30, the SOS (Save Our Soles) Safe Salon Pedicure Kit makes a great gift. Newly painted toes are pretty—but there’s nothing pretty about contracting a nasty infection. Protect yourself and prevent contamination with your own personal pedicure implements. It’s a smart step towards tip-top toes! Available at SoleSavior.com.

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