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Is a pretty pedi worth losing a pinky toe? We think not! Photo: Heide Benser, Corbis

I recently walked out on a pedicure because I could clearly see that the technician was not cleaning her tools before she used them on the girl next to me (who had open blisters on her feet, by the way).

I also have two friends who got infections from pedicures -- one of them had to have a toenail surgically removed and the other had her pinky toe amputated.

Since then, I have decided to do my own at-home pedis because I don't want to lose a digit. The Barielle 60 Second Mani-Pedi is a dream come true for DIY-ers -- it's a scrub that whisks away scraggly cuticles and dry patches, and it moisturizes so you don't even need lotion afterward.

Barielle's celebrity nail technician, Elle, is also skeeved out by public pedis and gives this advice for saving your feet from nastiness.

Bring Your Own Tools: Sharing tools like files and scrub brushes spreads germs, so the technician should use a set on you and you alone. If they don't provide fresh tools, bring your own.

Beware the Foot Tub: Elle says the spa foot baths are a breeding ground for bacteria (eew!), which commonly settles in the jet streams. Even if a spa sterilizes the tub, make sure they run the jets for 10 minutes with a hospital-grade solution to flush out germs.

Head to a Derm: According to Elle, a lot of people who think they have dry, cracked feet actually have a bacterial infection from spa tubs. "Your dermatologist can prescribe a cream that will make your feet baby soft," she explains. Barielle also has a nail fungus treatment in case your toenails start looking funky.

Ask Questions: Be nosy! Your technician should be able to clearly explain the spa's hygiene practices. If she can't, then vamoose!

Personally, I plan to stick with the DIY-ing for now. It saves money and I get to keep all my toes!

Scary Pedicures! Avoid Sketchy Salons and Keep All Your Toes