A pedicure is a way to improve the appearance of the feet, and their nails. It provides a similar service as a manicure. The word pedicure comes from the Latin words pedis, which means of the foot, and cura, which means care. It also means the care of the feet and toenails. A pedicure can help prevent nail diseases and nail disorders. Pedicures are not just limited to nails; usually dead skin cells on the bottom of feet are rubbed off using a rough stone called a pumice stone.

Foot massage

Feet, leg, hand, and arm massages are an important part of pedicures and manicures. This creates a relaxing environment for the person having the treatment.

Foot reflexology has been widely used while giving the foot massage; it is said to soothe nerves throughout the body (see reflexology). Practitioners may also massage with hot stones in their hands, and use special creams with menthol which are said to help rejuvenate the foot. Pumice stone is used to rub dead skin off the feet.

Tools used

• Towels
• Cotton balls
• Toenail clippers
• Lotion
• Cuticle cream
• Cuticle pusher or Cuticle nipper
• Orangewood sticks
• Acetone
• Antibacterial soap
• Foot bath
• or Pedicure Footspa

External links

• Pedicure Soothes and Tingles, Leaving Manliness Intact, New York Times, April 2006
• Pedicure etiquette, safety gain a toehold in sandal season, The Grand Rapids Press, June 2008
• Preventing Pedicure Foot Spa Infections, The United States Environmental Protection Agency