Diabetes: Use Caution When Visiting Nail Salons
Ahhh, the luxury of relaxing for an hour in a nail salon or spa while enjoying a pedicure. However, those with diabetes must be attentive to facility cleanliness and nail technician proficiency to avoid a dangerous infection.
Because your blood flow is reduced, even a tiny nick or cut may easily get infected. And if you have nerve damage called neuropathy, you may not even feel any type of foot damage. Any injury to your feet can quickly worsen into a dangerous ulcer.
Safety Tips for a Nail Salon Pedicure
Generally, you are able to enjoy a professional pedicure if your diabetes is under control. But be sure to follow these commonsense safety tips:
Shop around to find the right salon. Check that it appears clean and read all online reviews.
Look for posted inspection and licensing certificates and make sure that they are up-to-date.
Consider investing in a set of pedicure tools that you can sterilize at home and bring along with you each time. If you use the salon-provided implements, ask for proof that they are sterilized.
If the skin of your feet or legs is damaged at all, postpone your appointment to avoid an infection. Remember not to shave your legs for several days before your salon visit.
Importantly, notify the technician that you have diabetes. Be vocal about your needs! A reputable salon will have experience serving clients with diabetes and should treat you with extra “TLC” to avoid small cuts and scratches.
Visit the salon early in the day when equipment is cleanest.
If you choose to use the footbath, check that it has been sterilized since the last customer.
Remind the technician to trim your toenails straight across. Cutting them round at the corners could cause an ingrown toenail, which for anyone with diabetes could quickly lead to a dangerous infection.
We are happy to trim your toenails safely for you when you visit our office.
We Are the Experts on Diabetic Foot Care
The foot specialists at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center have extensive experience in treating all aspects of foot problems. Our team of doctors which consists of Dr. Robert Marra, Dr. Thomas Johnson, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and Dr. Matthew Tshudy is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. Many treatments and surgeries can be handled right in our offices. Please call us at (860) 741-3041 to make an appointment in one of our offices in Hartford County, conveniently located in Enfield and South Windsor, CT.