Fingers and toes: What’s hot, what’s not

Jun 16, 2010 9:00 AM

With the mercury rising and flip-flops beckoning, it’s time to give your hands and feet a little summer love. Here’s how to deal with callouses and dead skin, toenail fungus, and what to look out for if you’re planning on getting a gel manicure.

We tested the PedEgg, a device that claims it removes callouses and dead skin from your feet. We found that it was very easy to use, very good at removing calluses, and good at removing dry skin. It did better overall than the pumice stone. But some filings escaped, so use PedEgg over a wastebasket.

If you’re thinking about covering up unsightly toenail fungus, Consumer Reports’ chief medical adviser, Marvin Lipman, M.D.,has some good news: Treatment is only occasionally medically necessary. However, millions of dollars are spent each year on ads by pharmaceutical companies to promote mostly futile attempts to eradicate onychomycosis, or nail fungus, a hardy microscopic organism that infects some 35 million people in the U.S. Two popular home remedies are water-diluted vinegar foot soaks and Vicks VapoRub.

Finally, a word of caution about gel manicures. Certain techniques can expose you to worrisome chemicals and have been implicated in nerve damage. Orly Avitzur, M.D., Consumer Reports medical adviser, suggests 10 warning signs to look out for at the salon, such as looking out for unmarked bottles, unusually strong-smelling chemicals, and an unclean environment.

Take a look at some steps you can take to prevent toenail fungus and athlete's foot.