A woman has revealed how a nail salon tool that experts have warned about nearly ruined her feet after undertaking pedicures for a few years.
The effect of constantly using the tool, according to experts, can cause burning, blistering and also make thick crusty skin more tough.
Calluses are a common foot problem that can cause discomfort, leaving large patches of rough and thick skin on the body.
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Lots of nail salons offer callus removal as part of a pedicure, using a cheese grater-like device or ‘callus shaver’.
However, these devices reportedly have higher chances of causing skin problems and have been dubbed ‘lethal’ by experts.
Although the device is permitted for use in the UK and can be purchased for as little as £4 online, health experts say its consequences can be dire, stating they are ‘too coarse and abrasive’ for the delicate skin on the feet.
Because of the harm it poses, the device is reportedly banned in many US states like Georgia and Minnesota.
A woman took to social media on TikTok to express how she coped with pedicure works and the effects that come with being on the receiving end of such devices.
The video has garnered over 925,000 views and US user @sheisher said: ‘I actually feel like pedicures ruined my feet.
‘I was never a fan of pedicures to begin with, I’ve always thought they were weird.’
‘Before I was actually getting full-blown pedicures my feet were actually soft. On my heels, I didn’t have that hard skin.’
‘And when I started getting pedicures I feel like they were shaving too much of the skin off of my heel and then it would grow back calcified or hard. I stopped getting them for a while and I feel like my feet went back to normal.’
‘Sometimes I feel like they scrub too much off’, the woman added.
Viewers shared similar thoughts with the woman on undertaking pedicures and the risk of the nail salon tool in the comments section, saying: ‘Stop using the cheese grater, that’s step one.’
Another wrote: ‘I don’t let them use the cheese grater on my feet and my feet are so soft.
‘When I first started saying no, the nail tech said “smart girl”.’
‘Yes this is true! I no longer allow them to use a cheese grater’, a third added.
‘The grater thing ruined my feet! I stopped going. Now my feet are back to normal,’ a fourth also wrote.’
Calluses come about due to pressure or rubbing of the skin, such as wearing high heels, uncomfortable shoes and boots that are the wrong size or wearing shoes without socks.
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The National Health Service in the UK has asked that people visit their pharmacy for guidance on heel pads, insoles, and knowledge of how to manage calluses.
However, in specific cases, it is better to see a specialist for treatment to cut away calluses using specialist equipment.
Insoles may be placed to reduce the pressure off the painful area of the foot, as qualified professionals never frequently use cheese grater-like devices which ‘look lethal’.
Rather, nail clippers, foot files, scalpels and single use blades can be carefully used to avoid infection.
TikTok users have since taken a lesson from US user @sheisher’s experience, a valuable realization for the future as many look to prevent skin infections while undertaking pedicures.
