The Perils of a Pedicure
Although my brightly painted toes looked really good, it turns out that my pedicure several weeks ago was not so good for the health of my feet. I came away with a nasty case of athlete’s foot that I have finally managed to get rid of. And yesterday as I removed all that pretty dark red polish, I found extra ridges and white spots on my toenails that weren’t there before. YUCK!I started to wonder if wearing polish on fingernails and toenails is not the equivalent of walking around in a vinyl raincoat that doesn’t let your skin breathe. Maybe there is a natural function of these 20 nails that is interrupted by colored polish. Yesterday I carefully cut and filed my nails. I worked away stray bits of cuticle. I rubbed Ahava foot creme into my feet, paying attention to my poor wounded toes. Today my now-natural nails all feel a lot healthier and they look just fine, if a little pale.
Maybe I’ll go natural for the rest of the summer and give my nails a chance to breathe. I must admit that I liked seeing my feet coordinated with my favorite red sandals, but I like the way they feel today. I haven’t given up coloring my hair or shaving my legs yet, but natural nails could become a habit.
posted by Barbara at 8:42 AM
2 Comments:
This is interesting because one reason I don't color my finger nails is my remembrance of how my mother's nails looked. She always wore polish and her nails were ridged and yellowed. I assumed it was because they never had time to "breathe" as well. But I do use polish on my toes during sandal months, which for me starts in May and ends in October and I have noticed no discoloration. Perhaps it is because they breathe freely from October through March?
It's a puzzlement but was interesting to read you experience the same outcome of painted nails she did.
K
I don't wear polish during the winter either, never wear it on my fingernails except for very special occasions.
So glad you're taking care of your poor bewildered toes!
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