Diabetes and Pedicures: Are You Safe?

As a diabetic, you have to pay special attention to your feet because if you don’t, you could be at risk of serious infections or injuries. It’s suggested that if you are a diabetic, you probably should stay away from getting pedicures, but who doesn’t enjoy getting pampered every once in a while? So, for those of you who will go ahead and get a pedicure, here are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

Diabetes and Pedicures: Are You Safe?

1. Be picky about the salon. You really need to find the most sanitary salon; pay attention to how they clean their tools and if they do at all! If you aren’t sure, it is okay to bring in your own tools for them to use and keep them in a box with your name. Better safe than sorry, right?
2. Inspect the foot tub. This is incredibly important. Does it get cleaned between clients? If it doesn’t you could be at a higher risk for infection. Even if you have the smallest cut on your foot, there is still plenty of room for bacteria to get in and start some serious trouble.
3. Inspect the tools. You would be better off getting pampered at a salon that uses stainless steel instruments rather than wooden sticks. They are just more sanitary.
4. Let them know you have diabetes. It’s okay to give them a little direction considering your condition. Remember, a water temperature of 90-95 degrees safest, avoid razors, no lotion between the toes, and be very gentle.
5. For those of you who shave your legs, don’t shave for at least 2 days before the appointment. This way you are decreasing your chances of bacteria entering any possible nicks or cuts.

Related articles

• 6 Steps to the Perfect At-Home Pedicure
• Be Safe With Your Pedi, or You Could Regret It
• Pedicure Safety Tips
• How to Prolong Your Pedicure
• 5 Common Foot Problems for Diabetics

Getting Professional Treatment

It is always our express intent to recommend that you take no chances with diabetic foot pain, ankle or knee pain, or injuries. Professional treatment to relieve the pain is available from doctors such as Delray Beach’s Dr. Ian Goldbaum of Delray Beach Podiatry, who has provided us with this blog. If the pain continues, a podiatrist with Dr. Goldbaum’s experience should be consulted. You must get proper treatment to prevent permanent damage. Also consider having a walk analysis done.

Our Staff writers are freelance writers with higher education related to, or experience researching and writing for, medical blogs; with education or experience equal to under graduate and graduate degrees in the fields of medicine.