Diabetes can make pedicures dangerous: Reduced circulation can make injuries and infections more likely, and take longer to heal. Peripheral neuropathy can reduce feeling in your feet, making you unable to tell if the technician is hurting you, or if a hot footbath is scalding you.
Taking excellent care of your feet is crucial. Diabetes Forecast says you can get a pedicure at a nail salon as long as you don't have an infection cut ulcer or neuropathy — but urges you to use caution and good judgment. The most important thing they advise is to make sure the salon you choose is extremely clean.
Skip any services that can injure the skin. Never allow the technician to cut your cuticles or use any sharp instruments on your skin or under your toenails.
Diabetes are more prone to infection, and fungi and bacteria can transfer from clipping or foot care tools to any open wounds.
Avoid soaking your feet, as this can lead to dry skin. Dry your feet gently, especially between the toes. Moisturize your feet and ankles with lotion or petroleum jelly. Do not put oils or creams between your toes — the extra moisture can lead to infection.
Diabetes can cause nerve damage, called peripheral neuropathy, that makes you lose feeling in your feet. This can be a disaster if you're walking around without foot protection. Diabetes can also compromise your circulation. Your feet are far away from your heart, and blood flow reduces to your soles, heels, and toes.
Typically, epsom salt soaks are not recommended for people with diabetes. The primary reason is that such soaks can dry out the feet. When the skin is dry it is more vulnerable to cracking and chafing, which can lead to skin lesions and wounds, which if not properly attended to can lead to ulcerations.
Diabetes can make pedicures dangerous: Reduced circulation can make injuries and infections more likely, and take longer to heal. Peripheral neuropathy can reduce feeling in your feet, making you unable to tell if the technician is hurting you, or if a hot footbath is scalding you.
Diabetics often have reduced blood flow to their feet, which may cause thicker toenails or numbness.
Wear socks or stockings with shoes. Wear socks without seams. Avoid tight-fitting socks and garters. Wear socks in bed if your feet are cold at night.
The danger of pedicures
“If you have diabetes, poor circulation or a history of prior wounds or amputations, talk to your podiatrist before getting a pedicure to discuss potential health risks or other options,” Dr. Matthews said. “Any break in the skin can lead to a bacterial infection or another infection.
Avoid all direct pressure on them or a release of accumulated insulin could result, endangering the patient with unintended hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia require immediate medical attention.
GOLDEN RULE #1: Wear appropriate shoes.
Even a minor cut can quickly become a serious infection when you have diabetes. We don't even recommend sandals for diabetics. Your best protection from cuts, bruises, blisters, and calluses is a cushioned, supportive athletic shoe worn with a moisture-wicking sock.
Massage can be great for those living with diabetic neuropathy. Massage has been used to relieve pain, improve blood circulation, and promote relaxation. These can all improve diabetic foot pain as the massage soothes the muscles in the feet.
You should avoid waxing or shaving your legs for at least 24 hours before your treatment, since doing so can create tiny skin abrasions, opening you up to the possibility of infection.
Depending on your needs, we may recommend orthotics or diabetic shoes to prevent foot irritation from getting worse. Getting your toenails trimmed can be part of your routine foot care if you have diabetes.
Don't use anything sharp to clean under your toenails or to remove calluses. You don't want to accidentally get a cut that could let an infection set in. You can use a pumice stone to gently smooth your heels after taking a shower or bath. Don't rub too harshly.
Nail Health & Diabetes
In some people with diabetes, the nails take on a yellowish hue and become brittle. This is often associated with the breakdown of sugar and its effect on the collagen in nails. In certain cases, this yellowing of nails can be a sign of a nail infection.
High temperatures and heat can change how your body uses insulin. You may need to test your blood glucose more often and adjust your insulin dose and what you eat and drink.
Patients of diabetes should be very cautious while consuming over-the-counter pain medications like Advil as these drugs are associated with a high risk of a coronary event. The increased risk for a heart disease in diabetics is further worsened if the patient consumes medications like Ibuprofen.