Summer Skin Makeover

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Wednesday, 30 January 2008

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reat the Skin on Your Feet

Don't forget your feet this summer, says New York City-based podiatric surgeon Suzanne Levine, DPM.

This starts with getting rid of "fugly" (fungal, ugly) toenails, she says. "For anybody who has fungus on their toenails or discoloration of nails, there are topical whitening and antifungal agents you can try. If you have major discoloration, we can even use a laser to whiten the nails similar to how we whiten teeth," she says.

Oral antifungals are also available but they take awhile to work and you may not have time with Memorial Day just several weeks away, she says.

"Many people complain of dermatitis, peeling, or callous on their heels," she says. "I use a peel on the skin to peel off all of the callous material for baby-soft skin," she says. Some exfoliating callous creams are available at drug stores.

When getting your presummer pedicure, make sure that your toenails are cut straight across. "Make sure the manicurist does not cut into the sides or you will get ingrown toenails," Levine says. To cut down on germs, make sure the manicurist cleans out the whirlpool with Clorox.

"Bring your own instruments if you can," she says. And "never let anyone use razor blades on your feet," she says.

As for polish, "Go with beiges and lighter-color polishes that don't stain nails such as light pink." The good news is that this is one of the trendy colors this year.

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Medically updated May 16, 2006.
Published May 2005.

SOURCES: Steve Fallek, MD, plastic surgeon, New York City and Englewood, N.J. Rhoda S. Narins, MD, dermatological surgeon, New York City, and president, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Audrey Kunin, MD, dermatologist, Kansas City, Mo. Bruce E. Katz, MD, medical director, JUVA Skin and Laser Center, New York City. Suzanne Levine, MD, podiatric surgeon, New York City.

Reviewed on June 26, 2007