Getting a Pedicure with Unsightly Nails...?

I don't think they would make fun of you, however, a salon operating within certain standards based on state licensing, they should decline services to you.

They take on too much risk of potentially spreading the fungus to other clients and should lose their license if they knowingly provide a service to someone with such issues.

Some podiatrist offices provide services for people with issues. I would ask my Dr.

Another scenerio would be that you might be more susceptible to infections and could pick up something at the salon which would make your problem worse.

I'm sorry you are going through such a tough time.

I wouldn't try getting a pedicure anywhere as long as you have a fungal condition.
A good nail salon should turn you away and a bad one might take you but if they do that with you, they'll do it with others - and could be passing fungus all over the place.

There is a medicated nail polish that some doctors recommend. I don't know the name, but you could look into that. I think you put it on the nail and the surrounding skin.

A lot of those medications take months to work. Did you do the full time? Because you'd need new nails to completely get rid of the infection. And then sterilize your implements between uses.

What about your shoes and socks? I know with my kids and athletes foot, we couldn't treat the feet unless we discarded the shoes and we had to go with super absorbent socks and change them frequently. Also no bare feet in areas where they could pick up fungus. Or spread it.

I think if you did find a salon that would do your nails, you'd probably have to bring your own implements. I think regular polish is a no-no though if you have fungus or an infection.

Just to note - I went to a podiatrist and his advice didn't work for me. My regular physician actually saw more patients with basic foot troubles and her advice was more practical and worked. Second opinion maybe best.

Good luck :)

Soak your feet in Listerine.

Did you try a different type of medication you take orally? And...how long did you try taking it? I think there are different oral medications so perhaps try another one. I had bad toenail fungus and I had to take the oral medication for about 5 months before it went away. It took a very long time. It worked though! I really didn't think it would because my nails were so infected and I had it for 15 years or so. I used to feel really bad about it too, but now my toenails are normal. Talk to your doctor again about it or see a new doctor if needed. Also, at the same time try soaking in vinegar twice a day. I would not go get a pedicure until you get rid of it.

I am sorry you are going through this. Obviously it bothers you a great deal.

I don't think embarrassment is the problem - salons see all kinds of problems. However, I think expecting a pedicure with an active infection of any kind (fungal, viral or bacterial) is a very bad idea and probably against health regulations. I think you should question a salon that does it, because that means they would take others. Not sure you want to soak in the same tub as someone with a problem, even if they supposedly bleach it or disinfect it.

But I would also think that applying lotions and creams and things like nail polish would be the worst things for damaged skin and nails. I understand that you want to cover up and improve the look of your nails, but you may be aggravating things.

I think it's very understandable that topical creams don't work on such an ingrained infection - the skin is the largest organ and problems originate deep inside a lot of the time. That's why, for example, hydration is so important for all kinds of skin issues and skin health. You were on the right track in noticing that a systemic oral anti-fungal worked better, although of course many meds cause side effects and yours were pretty uncomfortable.

So from a healing standpoint, I wonder that you haven't looked into comprehensive cellular nutrition or that no one has recommended it. A single vitamin here, or that mineral there, or some essential oil (a single ingredient) has no scientific basis for improving health - that's not how our bodies utilize nutrients at all. Cells absorb and use food in combination - so it seems to me that you are out of balance if you cannot fight this thing off. Based on my work in food science education and my training with well known scientists on the Council for Responsible Nutrition, I would really recommend that you use a patented and balanced formula. I've seen some unbelievable cases of cellulitis, eczema, psoriasis, radiation burns and even acne show dramatic improvement. My husband has had skin problems which have virtually disappeared. I would think this would give you the same benefits as the drug you took (and many more, since it works on the whole body), without any side effects.

If you have an active fungus issue then a nail salon will not be able to serve you.

A friend of mine had a very pervasive fungal infection but finally cleared it up:

*Nightly tea tree oil foot soaks, plus additional oil applied after.
*Wear clean cotton socks every day. Change them if your feet sweat. Wash your socks in HOT water. No nylons or synthetic dress socks.
*Discard your old shoes. They are contaminated.
*Don't use nail polish - and throw away bottles you've ever used on your feet.
*If you have carpeting in your home and have been going around barefoot, have it professionally cleaned.
*Use a bleach spray in your tub/shower after each use.
*Wash your nail clippers in bleach after each use.
*Toss emery boards and other non-metal things after one use.

Good luck!

I know you said you've tried everything but have you tried essential oils? Several of them have anti-fungal properties and they've been used for centuries. If I were you, I'd do some research on the best ones for your situation and find someone near you that sells it.

I had toenail fungus for 28 years, starting when I was 6 months old. I tried all sorts of topical treatments and even soaked my feet in bleach until they burned and blistered. They ran tests and found out that I had 7 different types of fungus.

I had a bad reaction to the first oral medication but went on another one and stuck it out for the entire 6 month treatment period which required bi-weekly liver testing.

It was so with it! My infection has been gone for 25 years now. My feet don't perspire like they did before. They don't smell bad either. My shoes last too. They used to smell to high heaven and be stained from perspiration and salt.

The hassle of treatment is worth it. There are new medications. Keep trying until you find something that works and follow the regime religiously. You will be glad you did!

A friend of mine used the laser treatment on her toes and said it worked. She waited for a Groupon from a recommended company, so maybe do your research and try that?

I had a minor fungus on one toe and my doctor and podiatrist both told me to get regular pedicures, to keep the nail clean and short. The polish had no affect on the fungus and it went away pretty quickly with regular pedicures. Apparently there are several types of fungus that can affect your nails and some are easier to cure than others.

If you think your fungus is too active to be able to go to a salon, look for someone that will come to your house and use your own tools. They can wear gloves and you can buy a foot bath and tools that you can sterilize/bleach between uses. And obviously you can wash your own towels in hot water with lysol or vinegar. My friend does this, she found a woman from her hair salon that does pedicures on the side. Maybe you could check Craigslist? Or call your local salon and see if they have anyone willing to come to your house and use your supplies?

P.S. I got the fungus from going to a cheap salon, so I'll never go to one of those types again.

Soak both feet in vinegar water solution. Like 60/40 v/w for like 10-20 min twice daily for like two weeks. It works.

Try searching on this site for this topic. That is where I found this solution and it does work. Just not sure if it's two weeks or a month, but it works.