The Secret Recipe Callus Softners What?!

     Callus softeners are potent liquid formulas applied to heavy callus areas to soften them for more effective pedicure filing. So what exactly is in these softeners? Here’s a generic low down of three of the most common active ingredients in callus softeners today. . The softeners are typically left on the callus for about five minutes, though this varies from brand to brand, and care is advised to limit skin exposure to only heavy callus. Techs are advised to wear gloves during applications and to make sure healthy skin does not come into contact with the softeners.  So what exactly is in these softeners that make it so volitile? Here’s a profile of three of the most common active ingredients in callus softeners today.
      Urine! But wait not the kind of pee we are thinking of, read on...Urea is an organic compound that has a super-hydrating effect on skin cells. Its function within callus softeners is to over-moisturize and hydrate the tough, thick callus so that it becomes soft and supple for the pedicure file to have a greater effect at filing it down. It is a naturally occurring chemical that is produced within many organisms. In humans, the liver produces urea as a nitrogen waste carrier in the metabolic process to take waste out of the body in urine. Most industrial urea is synthetic and produced from carbon dioxide and ammonia. (It’s also used in animal feed and fertilizer as a relatively cheap source of nitrogen.)
     Salicylic acid is an organic acid that derives originally from the bark of willow trees. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which has made its source compound, salicin, a model for aspirin. It also has the ability to break down fats and lipids. As of now, it is the only chemical the FDA has approved to be marketed as a callus “remover,” and acts to lift the dead skin cells off of callus for enhanced filing results. (It is also used to treat plantar warts and for exfoliating treatments for acne and psoriasis.)
     Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound that makes for a strong callus softener depending on the amount in the formula. It degrades the protein in the callus cells and works quickly to soften even the toughest of callus in preparation for filing. Cuticle removers often contain a small amount of potassium hydroxide to help clean nail plates. (It is used in many industries including in the production of soap, fertilizer, and biodiesel and can even be used as a disinfectant and cleaning agent on surfaces that can withstand its corrosive properties.)
    Now that you have the low down on callus softners, you will understand why gloves are needed.  I am one of those that sees something and says why the heck do we need gloves?!?  So I feel I should share my ah ha! moment!

Onychomycosis precise podiatry

    Have you ever had a client with onychomycosis? Onychomycosis is a nail fungal infection.  Which client should you refer to a doctor? There's a new treatment for onychomycosis.  PinPointe FootLaser, which has been cleared as a safe and effective treatment .  The in-office procedure takes less than ten minutes per foot or per hand with none of the side effects of the oral anti-fungal meds! 
  Dr. Daniel L Waldman, owner and medical director of Blue Ridge Foot Centers in Asheville, NC explains that the treatment success largely depends on 3 factors: The extent of the infection, how long the patient has had the infections, and the individual's ability to follow through with the after home care.  Dr. Waldman's informative website is www.blueridgefoot.com
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