Corns vs. Calluses

To start, people often confuse corns and calluses because they share a similar cause — mainly, persistent friction or pressure on the feet, often from footwear that doesn’t fit properly. However, they differ from there.

Corns

Corns are often small, round bumps that form on the tops or sides of your toes. They can seem hard, soft, or something referred to as a “seed corn.”

In most cases, hard corns have a firm center surrounded by thickened skin. And, as the name implies, soft corns seem more pliable. It’s also possible for corns to form between your toes, and they may appear white or gray. 

Seed corns typically form on the bottoms of your feet, and they’re quite small. These types of corns can also be very sensitive and linked to clogged sweat ducts. 

Calluses

Unlike round, well-shaped corns, calluses are usually larger areas of uneven, thickened skin. They’re most common on the bottom of your feet or on bony areas, especially those that experience a lot of pressure from bearing your weight. For instance, the heel, big toe, or ball of your foot. 

While corns and calluses look different and form in distinct areas, they’re both your body’s ways of protecting the skin underneath them. 

Understanding your risks for corns and calluses

As mentioned above, a leading cause of corns and calluses involves wearing ill-fitting shoes...

Additional causes of these skin issues include:

• Not wearing socks with shoes
• Certain physical activities
• Going barefoot a lot

• Having gait or posture problems
• Standing or walking for extended periods

You’re also more likely to have corns and calluses if you have other foot problems, like a hammertoe, bunion, or arthritis. They’re also more common in smokers. 

It’s important to note that corns and calluses typically don’t put people at risk of serious health complications. However, it’s not the case if you have a medical condition affecting your feet, like diabetes, which requires vigilant wound care.

These disorders can cause any skin problem or injury — even corns and calluses — to go unnoticed. They can also become infected quite quickly and put you at risk of serious complications.  

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Valentine’s Day Gift Cards at UpKept Nail Spa

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about flowers and chocolate...

It’s about showing care in a way that actually lasts.

An UpKept Nail Spa gift card is perfect for:

• Someone who deserves quiet, one-on-one care

• Tired feet that need real relief

• Natural nails that deserve expert attention

• Anyone who would rather relax than rush

Gift cards are available now!!!

🔗 Book or purchase online at StayUpKept.com

Toenail Trimming Tips for Diabetics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.6 million people in the United States were diagnosed with diabetes. By 2015, that number had increased to 23.4 million, and has continued to rise. Now, 37.3 million people in the United States, roughly 10%, have diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition, and when you have it, your body doesn’t produce enough of, or doesn’t properly use, the hormone insulin, which is crucial for converting food to energy. The sugar that should be turned into energy instead stays in your blood, which can cause a host of problems. 

One of those problems is poor circulation and damage to your blood vessels. Your feet are the part of your body farthest from your heart, and when you have poor circulation, it may be difficult for even minor injuries to heal. Nerve damage is another common problem that results from high blood sugar. If the nerves in your feet are damaged, they may become numb — which means you may not notice a minor injury. 

Toenails grow, so you’re going to need to trim them. When you have diabetes, it’s especially important to trim them carefully and correctly. 

The first step is to wash and dry your feet. Make sure you get the spaces between your toes thoroughly dry. You need a pair of sharp clippers or nail scissors for the job. Cut straight across, being careful to not round the corners of your nails. Cut them short enough to avoid snagging on things like your blankets at night or your socks, but not so short you run the risk of getting an ingrown toenail. 

Use a file to smooth the edges. File in one direction and only use a file when your nails are completely dry.

Complications Associated with Toenails

It may seem outlandish to think that a jagged toenail could pose a risk to your overall health, but if you have diabetes, it certainly can. Toenails that are too long or sharp can scratch or cut you, and if you have nerve damage, you may not know it’s happened. 

If your toenails are too short, you run a much greater risk of developing an ingrown toenail. The sharp edge of your toenail grows into the soft skin that surrounds your nail. This situation can be painful, and become infected. Poor circulation makes it much harder for your body to resolve and heal from an ingrown toenail. 

For some people, trimming their own toenails is a problem. You may not be able to reach your toes easily, or you may simply be worried you won’t do it correctly. This is where we come into play! 

Contact us or book an appointment with UpKept today! I would love to assist you!

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Limited In-Home Services

 

My on-demand in-home fingernail and toenail trimming is intentionally old-fashioned—slow, careful trimming and hand filing only. No electric files, no rushing, and no shortcuts. Just thoughtful nail maintenance for clients who value comfort, safety, and personal attention.

This service is performed under my California Personal Services Permit, allowing me to legally provide professional nail care in the comfort of your home. It’s especially helpful for seniors, limited mobility clients, or anyone who prefers private, low-stress care.

Every appointment is one-on-one and always within scope—because proper nail care doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective.

By Appointment Only

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What Colors for your Nails in February?

Between the romantic buzz of Valentine’s Day and the need for a soft winter glow, our nails are taking cues from the haute couture silhouettes of 2025 to 2026. Velvety berry, frosted lilac, cloudy beige or icy glitter...Here are a few of the top trendy colors for February 2026...

Love Bug: 3 soft and fresh nail polish shades;

Lilac: pastel soft power

Delicate and airy, lilac blue is making a big comeback. It even stole the show at the latest Carolina Herrera runway. On fair skin, this pastel blue with a violet undertone creates subtle contrast and brightens your hands. On darker skin tones, it becomes strikingly couture. Pair it with a cream oversized sweater and perfectly cut straight leg jeans for an effortless, very "French girl" vibe. Short, rounded nails love it, but it also looks sophisticated on long nails.

Candy: the feel good pink

Candy is a pink polish with a pop twist and a hint of blue shimmer. A vibrant, addictive shade that instantly lifts your manicure, just like the stunning strapless dress seen at Courrèges. On very fair skin, it gives a soft, rosy effect. On medium skin, the contrast is chic and subtle. On darker skin, it adds a radiant glow. Perfect with an all white outfit or a pastel blazer. Best of all, Candy looks fantastic on short, neatly filed nails.

Pomegranate: the fail safe passionate red

February without a deep garnet red polish? Unthinkable, and Alexander McQueen would agree. Pomegranate reinvents the classic red with a vibrant and luminous finish. It’s the go to for Valentine nails, festive but not too traditional. Every skin tone loves it: porcelain effect on fair skin, glam finish on medium tones, and irresistible depth on dark skin. Whether paired with a black blazer, a red satin top or simple raw denim, this red is a must. It’s ideal on oval nails, but also delivers a trendy look on short, square nails.

Berry & Butter: easing out of winter in style;

A trio of trendy nail colors inspired by the delicious shades seen on the catwalks: soft yellow, deep burgundy and a warm beige. These polish hues are just the thing to warm up the final stretch of winter.

Lemonade: the sunny pastel

Lemonade is a softly glittered yellow polish with a creamy glow, evoking the gentle light of a February morning. A super trendy shade, it’s the signature of the Butter nails trend, also spotted at the latest Givenchy show. It’s a standout for medium and dark skin tones, where it becomes a fresh, modern statement color. Pair it with pearl gray, off white or lavender for an ultra on trend pastel combo. Lemonade looks amazing on short, clean nails or used in minimalist French nail art.

Prune: winter’s couture favorite

Deep, enveloping and mysterious, Prune is one of the biggest trends for 2026, seen on haute couture catwalks. Proof? This burgundy polish flatters fair skin tones with a vintage art deco effect. On medium skin, pair it with metallic accents for a perfect evening look. On dark skin, it offers maximum impact. Match it with an oversized blazer, a black tie column dress or head to toe denim. With its black cherry hue, it enhances any look like no other. 

Dove Beige: pure softness

Dove Beige is a gorgeous soft beige polish with a slight gray undertone, a staple of any winter wardrobe and seen on the Christian Wijnants runway this season. This polish shade, close to nude tones, gives your nails an effortlessly chic feel. Perfect for fans of sheer nails and soap nails. Thanks to its neutral base, it flatters every skin tone and suits all nail shapes. Try it with tailored gray trousers, a soft cream knit and camel boots for a polished winter look. 

Frozen Hearts: for a hot and cold contrast;

A trio of frosted nail colors straight off the Fall Winter runways: fiery red, icy pink and shimmering silver glitter.

Lava: fiery warmth to fight the chill

It’s hard to resist the warmth of Lava, a vibrant red polish with a touch of orange that brings a little sunshine to February’s gray skies. This energetic color, seen on the dazzling fringed gown at the Ferragamo show, pops beautifully on medium and dark skin tones. On fair skin, it delivers an edgy, fashion forward finish. Wear it with an oversized white shirt or warm neutrals (sandy beige, natural linen) for a Riviera inspired glow. Finish with gold jewelry to embrace the full power of this pop red. It works on short or long nails, whether almond, oval, soft square or even stiletto. The goal? Let it glow!

Blossom: the icy sheer pink

Among winter’s trending shades is this frost bitten blush pink spotted on the Simone Rocha runway. Just like our Blossom, a creamy, soft and velvety pale pink. On fair skin, Blossom enhances your skin tone with a fresh glow. On medium tones, it gives a luminous, well groomed finish in the spirit of sheer nails. On darker skin, it transforms into a radiant, modern pastel pink. Pair it with light neutrals (off white, ivory, pinky beige) for a chic early spring look, or pastels (lavender, sky blue, soft mint) for a soothing color harmony. For a soft casual feel, go for denim on denim. The best nail shape for this tender shade? Short and rounded. Clean, neat and ultra chic. It also flatters squoval nails.

Disco: February’s glitter moment

To keep the festive spirit going, say yes to Disco, the glitter polish that rains down silver metallic shimmer on your nails. It’s the go to for a bold, dazzling manicure. The look? Think Versace. Ideal for a winter break in the mountains or as an accent nail for a statement nail art look. On fair skin, Disco creates a stunning icy effect. On medium skin, the glitter stands out more for a fresh, modern vibe. On darker skin, the silver becomes vibrant, almost mirror like. Style it with a ski suit for a playful look on the slopes, a chunky white sweater or an all black outfit for a sleek, graphic contrast.

How to choose your nail polish color in February?

Based on your skin tone

• Fair skin tones will love Lilac, Blossom, Candy, Lemonade (especially on very pale skin) and Dove Beige.
• Medium skin tones suit Pomegranate, Lava, Prune, Candy, Lemonade.
• Darker skin tones will shine in Lava, Prune, Lemonade, Disco, Pomegranate.

Based on your nail shape

• For short nails, go for Lilac, Candy, Blossom, Lemonade, Dove Beige.
• For long nails, embrace Lava, Pomegranate, Prune, Disco.

Based on your February plans

• For Valentine’s Day, show off your favorite love shades: Pomegranate, Lava, Candy.
• For a winter break in the mountains, go for Disco, Dove Beige, Blossom.
• Planning a sunny escape? Choose Lemonade, Lilac, Candy.

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Fight Germs. Wash Your Hands!

 

This handwashing demonstration will show you how handwashing can get rid of germs and chemicals that get on our hands every day.

How To: French Manicure Technique with Dazzle Dry

 

Learn how to do a French Manicure with Dazzle Dry.