All winter, our feet have been bundled and sequestered within dank socks, booties or other protective gear. But take heart … spring is in the air! Ladies, let’s celebrate by shedding our boots and letting the dogs out, giving our ten little puppies room to breathe. After months of hibernation, let’s give our toes some much needed attention with a long-overdue and well-deserved pedicure.

For some of us, just uttering the word “pedicure” can make our toes curl. Of the women who enter salons everyday for pedicures, a percentage exit with an unwanted visitor - fungus! Even the highest caliber salons can’t completely guarantee against fungal contamination. If you’re a victim, you’ll not realize it until your toes ache; by that time, it’s too late.

Fungi thrive in warm liquids, even in the wonderfully relaxing jetted tubs in which we soak our feet prior to pedicures. If these tubs aren’t properly and routinely cleaned, fungal contamination is likely to result! Don’t be afraid to ask a salon manager how the tubs are cleaned. Verify that the tubs are cleaned with bleach for at least 15 minutes daily.

Infections can also be spread if your nail technician isn’t using sanitary instruments. A simple solution is to bring along your own personal set of tools. Some salons may even store your set on-site, while others insist you bring your tools each time you visit.

If you’re feeling a bit put-off by all of these concerns, why not stay home and do it yourself? In addition to clipping your nails and trimming your cuticles, try a routine of using Life’s Abundance Revitalizing Clay Mask on your feet. Yes, your feet! Bring a comfy chair into your bathroom and apply the clay after cleaning and drying your feet. Just as when using the clay anywhere on your body, you can almost feel the impurities being drawn out of your feet as the clay dries and your skin tightens. Once you remove the clay, your feet will be as soft and smooth as a baby’s bottom.

Now it’s just a matter of selecting your favorite nail polish color, and soon you’ll be showing off your revitalized feet and toes. Summer, here we come!