Pedicures are a great way to pamper yourself and have some time for yourself, but sometimes they can leave you with more problems than just dry skin.
One of the most common causes of an itchy sensation after a pedicure is because the nail salon didn’t use soap on your feet before or during the pedicure and the high level of corrosive alkaline wasn’t cleaned out thoroughly.
In this article, we will answer your query on, “Why do my feet itch after pedicure?“.
More Reasons Why Your Feet Feels Itchy After Pedicure (Why do my feet itch after pedicure?)
There are many reasons why your feet might feel itchy after a pedicure.
- One possibility is that you may have a reaction to the nail polish or other products that were used during your treatment.
- Additionally, if the technician doesn’t take care in properly cleaning your feet before applying the polish, you could end up with an infection. Ingrown toenails and fungal infections can lead to itching and other discomforts.
If you notice any redness, swelling, or an unusual odor in your feet following a pedicure, contact the nail salon where you got the service so they can take care of it right away.
Itching is also one side effect that could occur after getting a foot massage. This is because massaging the feet stimulates blood circulation, which can cause histamine to be released. Histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with allergies, such as itching and sneezing.
Are There Chemicals That’s Causing the Itch?
Nail polish, lotions, and other beauty products often contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation. If you’re someone who is particularly sensitive to these types of ingredients, it’s important to do a patch test before using a new product.
To do a patch test, apply a small amount of the product to an inconspicuous area of your skin (such as the inside of your arm) and wait 24 hours to see if there is any adverse reaction. If you experience any irritation, such as itching, burning, or redness, discontinue use and seek medical help.
Another possibility is that you’re experiencing a delayed allergic reaction to something that was used in your pedicure. For example, if your technician gave you a foot rub with an oil that contains essential oils, the oils could have caused your skin to become itchy even after you left the salon.
If you’re not sure what’s causing the itching, you should call your doctor just to be safe. Your physician can determine which chemicals or ingredients are causing the irritation and provide you with a treatment plan.
How to Deal With After Pedicure Itch
If you’re experiencing an itchy sensation in your feet after any kind of foot treatment, there are a few different things you can do to help make it go away.
- One of the easiest options is simply to apply a moisturizing lotion, foot cream, or body butter to cool and soothe your skin.
- If you’d like a cooling effect that will also cleanse your feet, try adding a few drops of peppermint oil into a basin of water and soaking your feet in it for a few minutes.
- You can also buy foot baths that have a built-in peppermint oil feature.
- Another option is to apply a cold compress to your feet. This can be done by wrapping a few ice cubes in a towel and placing it on your feet for a few minutes, or you can soak a washcloth in some cold water, wring it out, and then lay that on your feet.
- You can also apply an anti-itch cream or ointment to your skin.
- One option is to use over the counter hydrocortisone cream, though bear in mind this isn’t meant for long term use.
- Another option is an anti-itch cream that contains ingredients like menthol, camphor, or benzocaine.
- You can also make a home remedy for itchy feet by mixing together 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of water. Soak your feet in this mixture for about 15 minutes, then rinse and dry them off. Baking soda is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help soothe your skin.
- Whatever method you choose, try to keep your feet clean and dry in order to avoid any further irritation.
Why Should Your Feet Be Washed Before Pedicure?
There are a couple of reasons why your feet should be washed before getting a pedicure.
- The first reason is that it helps remove any dirt or bacteria that may be present on your feet. If this bacteria is not removed, it can cause an infection in the person doing the pedicure.
- The second reason is that it will help the pedicure last longer. If your feet are dirty, the polish will not look as good and will likely chip or peel sooner.
Washing your feet before getting a pedicure is a simple step that can help prevent any potential infections or problems with the pedicure itself. So, make sure to take a few minutes before you go for a pedicure to wash your feet.
Does Unwashed Feet React to Chemicals from Pedicure Products?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as each person’s body will react differently to the chemicals in pedicure products. However, it is generally recommended that you wash your feet before getting a pedicure to help reduce the risk of any reactions.
If you do experience a reaction after getting a pedicure, be sure to let the person who performed your pedicure know immediately. To help ease any discomfort you might be experiencing, ask them to wash out the polish and take a look at your feet.
What Are The Risks Of Not Washing Feet Before Pedicure?
There are also risks you may expect if your feet undergo any salon services without being washed.
- The biggest risk of not washing your feet before getting a pedicure is the potential for infection. If your feet are dirty when you get a pedicure, there is a risk that any bacteria or dirt on your skin may be spread to the person doing the pedicure, causing them to become infected.
- Another risk of not washing your feet before getting a pedicure is that earlier problems with your pedicure may worsen. If your feet are not clean when you get a pedicure, the polish may not look as good and may chip or peel sooner than it would if your feet were clean.
Ultimately, it is important to wash your feet before getting a pedicure to help reduce the risk of any potential problems. Washing your feet is a simple hygiene step that can help keep you safe and ensure that your pedicure looks great.
Why is Callous Removal Part of a Pedicure Procedure?
Callus removal is a part of pedicure procedures and is not generally considered as an isolated treatment. A callus refers to the hard, thick skin on feet; particularly on the heels and balls of the feet. It develops due to pressure applied to these areas such as prolonged standing, walking or wearing tight footwear which can lead to dry and cracked skin.
Callus removal is necessary because it keeps feet smooth and soft which is important not only aesthetically but also for pedicure hygiene. If callus build-up continues to remain on the surface, it can lead to foot infection in extreme cases. Calluses are generally known as hard corns or hardened skin that often appears on the ball of your foot or on your heel.
What Does the Procedure Entail?
- The callous removal procedure usually starts with filing down the hard skin with a metal file. The aim is to make the surface as even as possible so that the subsequent treatments are more effective.
- Next, a pumice stone is used to remove any remaining dead skin cells. The callous remover is then applied on the area and allowed to sit for 2-3 minutes before it is scrubbed off with a foot file.
This procedure is repeated until all the callus has been removed. If there are any remaining hard skin areas, they will be filed down and treated with the callus remover again.
The Removal Process
However, the removal process tends to vary between salons as not all use the same techniques. Some might prefer to apply anesthetic cream before the callus remover is applied while others might use a machine to scrub off the dead skin cells.
Using Liquid Type Callus Removers
There are also callus removers that come in liquid form and these are often more effective as they can penetrate the hard skin better. However, they can also be more irritating to the skin so it is important to do a patch test before using it on a large area.
After the callus removal procedure is complete, the feet are then bathed and moisturized. This helps to soothe the skin and prevent any further irritation.
What are the Risks Involved?
The risks involved in callus removal procedures are generally minor and include skin irritation, redness and swelling. However, if the wrong techniques or products are used, it can lead to more serious side effects such as burning sensation, localized inflammation and in rare cases, blisters.
However, having a clean feet when going for a pedicure means that the risk of getting your feet clean, and this means that callus removal is part of it.
While callus removal is a necessary part of the pedicure process, it is important to go to a reputable salon that uses the correct techniques and products to avoid any adverse effects.
Final Thoughts
Proper pedicure hygiene is important to keep your feet healthy and looking good. Washing your feet before getting a pedicure is one simple step that can help reduce the risk of any potential problems.
Callus removal is a necessary part of pedicure procedures and should be done by a professional using the correct techniques and products. If you experience any adverse effects after callus removal, contact your doctor or salon immediately.
