Health Tip: Pedicure Pointers

(HealthDay News) — Giving yourself a home pedicure, or getting one at a salon?

The American Podiatric Medical Association has these suggestions:

Before your pedicure, consult a podiatrist if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
First thing in the morning is the ideal time to schedule a pedicure, because salons are typically cleanest earlier in the day.
Bring your own pedicure tools to the salon. If you don’t have any, make sure the salon sufficiently sterilizes the equipment between uses.
If doing it yourself, use a pumice stone, foot file or exfoliating scrub to eliminate calluses.
When trimming nails, use a clipper with a straight edge to ensure your toenails are cut straight across. Curved-shaped clippers increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
Use an emery board to smooth nail edges. Do not scrape the nail’s surface while filing.
Run a wooden or rubber manicure stick under your nails to remove dirt.
Use an emollient-enriched moisturizer to keep feel soft.
Use a rubber cuticle pusher or manicure stick to gently push back cuticles.