GENTLEMAN'S SPA PEDICURE

Real Men Get Pedicures
They're not just for the ladies — athletes like Tim Tebow and Dwyane Wade are making tracks into the salon. But men don't need to be superstars to benefit from some foot TLC.

By Amy Solomon, Senior Editor, EverydayHealth.com

MONDAY, April 9, 2012 — Think of Tim Tebow, the new backup quarterback for the New York Jets, and you'll probably picture his famous "Tebow" prayer pose or his fourth-quarter heroics with the Denver Broncos on their remarkable playoff run last season. But are you likely to envision him at the nail salon?

That's exactly where Tebow was last week, when a photographer snapped him getting a combination manicure and pedicure at a salon in West Hollywood, Calif. And experts say more men should follow the superstar athlete's lead — especially with sandal season approaching. Pedicures not only make your feet more attractive, they can help cut down on painful blisters, calluses, and ingrown toenails.

While Tebow might be the latest sports figure to make headlines with his professional nail care regimen, he's certainly not the first or the only one. Baseball legends Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth were known to get manicures - there's even a photo of Ruth in the barber's chair getting his nails and hair clipped. Soccer star David Beckham is also famous for his groomed nails.

Howard Osterman, DPM, podiatrist for the Washington Wizards basketball team, told MSNBC.com that his players see pedicures as "part of their training program" and aren't embarrassed by it at all: "It's as much medical as it is cosmetic."

The trend has also taken hold across the pond, with the Times of London reporting that spas in the UK have seen a 30 percent increase in men getting pedicures. According to Margaret Dabbs, a London-based podiatry clinic, regulars who come in for their signature "medical pedicures" (which are performed by podiatrists, not nail technicians) include businessmen, "footballers" (aka soccer players), and A-list celebrities.

Could your own toenails use some TLC? If you're a man thinking about visiting the salon, don't worry — you don't need to use polish, unless of course you want to. Many nail-care establishments have "sports pedicures" or "executive pedicures" that cater to males or to anyone wanting a no-frills (but still soothing) procedure. The Wall Street Journal says Miami Heat player Dwyane Wade is a fan of sports pedicures, which usually involve a soak in Epsom salts, dead skin exfoliation, a foot and lower-leg massage, and toenail clipping.

Although the chances you'll have a problem are slim, there are some safety risks involved in getting a pedicure — unsanitary tools can cause fungal and bacterial infections. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor first. And follow these pedicure safety tips from the American Podiatric Medical Association:

Have a good look around. Does the spa appear clean? If you're unsure, ask about their disinfecting procedures. Avoid having your cuticles clipped or pushed back, and ask the technician not to use a razor tool to remove dead skin. If you notice anything unusual on your feet in the days and weeks after a pedicure (for example, an itchy rash or red boil), call your doctor.

Photo Credit: Brian To/WENN.com

This article first appeared at www.everydayhealth.com