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Nail Care & Manicures/Mini blisters on heels

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Expert: Maggie Franklin - 5/29/2008


Question
I recently had my first pedicure ever (Male, age 30) and loved it.  Mostly because my heels were hurting so bad.  My heels were full of holes in the skin.  No bleeding, and it didn't hurt to touch, but it was like somebody had stabbed my foot with a piece of spagetti a hundred times.  Only on the heel.  the pain was only when I walked on it.

So the pedcure took all that skin away and it was like heaven.  And I use a paddle with sandpaper to "maintain".  But I still get these tiny holes in my heels.  I checked my shoes, I cleaned them out, I even tried taking certain pairs out of circulation for weeks at a time.  I've even experimented with different brands of socks to see if it might be a moisture retention thing.  The heels are not hard... they are soft.  but with lots of little holes...  I can manage it... but would rather eliminate the cause.

What is this?  Thank you so much for your help.
Andrew

Answer
I really think you need to consult a dermatologist about this. It could be pitted keratolysis, which is the result of bacteria. It can be helped in some cases by frequent sock changes-- try wool socks, which wick moisture away from the skin-- application of antiperspirant, and topical antibiotics. Definitely see a doctor to get a professional diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

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Maggie Franklin

Expertise

Professional Nailcare: nail enhancement chemistry and technique, mancuring and pedicuring. I am not qualified to give medical advice or make medical diagnoses.

Experience

I am a professional nail technician with 17 years experience in the professional beauty industry. I am licensed in the states of California (license #M120766) and Colorado (license #8611.) I have been an active member of the online mailing list at Beautytech.com since 1999 where I network with 100s of nail industry professionals around the world. Over the last 15 years I have accumulated several advanced training certificates, including the coveted Creative Nail Designs Master Nail Technician status, and personal training by Tammy Taylor, Tom Bachik, and Tom Holcomb. I briefly joined the competition circuit in 2002, taking first place in the second annual Strut Your Stuff Online competition in the Enhancement 2 category. In 2009 I have decided to make time in my schedule to get back into competition by joining "Team Pink," the competition team captained by current world champion nail technician, Lynn Lammers. I boast several contributions to articles that have appeared in both Nails and Nailpro magazines, including a brief stint as a Nails Magazine Help Desk contributor and now I write a semi-weekly blog for Nails Magazine while continuing to attend tradeshows and continuing education events.

Organizations
Nail Tech mailist list at Beautytech.com

Publications
Nails Magazine. Nailpro Magazine. Blogging for Nails Magazine since September, 2008: http://blogs.nailsmag.com/maggie/

Education/Credentials
CA license #M120766. CO license #8611. CND Master Nail Technician. Tom Holcomb Academy. Personal training with Tom Bachik. Two day advanced training with Tammy Taylor. AEFM certified for use of electric file. HRTE (High Road to Education) in San Jose, CA 2009.

Awards and Honors
2nd Annual Strut Your Stuff Online competition, 1st place in Enhancement 2. Member of "Team Pink" competition team 2009. 3rd place, Novice tip-and-overlay relay at IBS Las Vegas, 2009.

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