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Cosmetic treatment of the feet and toenails pedicure From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A pedicure is a cosmetic treatment of the feet and toenails, analogous to a manicure.
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During a pedicure, dead skin cells are rubbed off the bottom of the feet using a rough stone (often a pumice stone). Skincare is often provided up to the knee, including granular exfoliation, moisturizing, and massage.
The word pedicure is derived from the Latin words pedis, which means "of the foot", and cura, which means "care".[1]
People have been pedicuring their nails for more than 4,000 years. In southern Babylonia, noblemen used solid gold tools to give themselves manicures and pedicures. The use of nail polish can be traced back even further. Originating in China in 3000 BC, nail colour indicated one's social status, according to a Ming Dynasty manuscript; royal fingernails were painted black and red. Ancient Egyptians have been manicuring since 2300 BC.
A depiction of early manicures and pedicures was found on a carving from a pharaoh's tomb, and the Egyptians were known for paying special attention to their feet and legs. The Egyptians also colored their nails, using red to show the highest social class. It is said that Cleopatra's nails were painted a deep red, whereas Queen Nefertiti went with a flashier ruby shade. In ancient Egypt and Rome, military commanders also painted their nails to match their lips before they went off to battle.
Pedicures generally take approximately 45 minutes to an hour in the US. According to the US Department of Labor, manicure and pedicure specialists earned a median income of around $20,820 in 2015.[2] Most professionals earn an hourly wage or salary which can be augmented through customer tips. Independent nail technicians depend on repeat and consistent business to earn a living. The most successful independent manicure technicians may earn salaries of over $50,000 per year.[3] Nail technicians can earn up to $100 per hour from performing more technical nail treatments, such as a French pedicure and sculpting, although these treatments are not popular for the feet. A standard pedicure treatment usually costs around $40.
There are various different types of pedicures. Some of the most common types are as follows (names and products may vary from spa to spa):
Improper or unsanitary pedicures can increase the risk of infection. First, some pedicure practices can damage the skin if performed too aggressively and thus increase infection risk. For example, using a pumice stone to shave off calluses on the sole of the foot can result in abrasions and cuticle nippers may accidentally remove too much of the cuticle. Second, instruments or foot baths may not be properly sterilized, introducing pathogens into already vulnerable skin. Mycobacterium fortuitum is known to cause infection in foot spas.[4] These risks are particularly high for people with medical conditions that affect blood flow, sensation, immune response, or healing in the feet, such as diabetes. Major health organizations such as the CDC recommend that diabetics do not soak their feet or remove calluses, and often have a podiatrist cut their toenails, which are some of the key parts of many pedicures.[5]
Solutions and chemicals used to cleanse or soak feet can also cause skin irritation. There can be a risk of developing an ingrown toenail from improper trimming.[6]
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