7 Pedicure Safety Tips for People With Diabetes
Reduce your risk of infection during a salon pedicure
Reduce your risk of infection during a salon pedicure
Key Takeaways
- Many people with diabetes can safely get pedicures.
- Choose a clean salon and avoid skin injuries.
- Check your feet afterward for signs of infection.
People with diabetes can often enjoy a nail salon pedicure safely, but it’s important to take a few extra precautions.
Even a small cut or nick from a pedicure tool can increase the risk of infection, especially if you have diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). An untreated infection can slow healing and, in severe cases, lead to foot ulcers or other serious problems.
If you have diabetes, particularly if you have diabetic neuropathy, poor circulation or a history of foot ulcers, talk with your doctor or podiatrist before scheduling a pedicure.
“Nerve damage and poor circulation can make it harder to notice cuts or blisters,” says Athena Philis-Tsimikas, MD, a clinical endocrinologist and vice president of Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute. “Even a minor injury can become a serious problem if it isn’t treated promptly.”
If your doctor says it’s safe to get a pedicure, a few simple precautions can help protect your feet during your salon visit.
Pedicure safety tips for people with diabetes
Prolonged elevation of blood sugar from diabetes can reduce blood flow and damage nerves in your feet. This can make it harder to notice cuts, blisters or other injuries and slow healing if an infection develops.
Managing your blood sugar is one of the best ways to help reduce the risk of nerve and blood vessel damage that can lead to diabetes-related foot problems. “Someone with diabetes and blood glucose maintained within their target range may never experience neurological or vascular damage,” Dr. Tsimikas says.
People with well-managed diabetes may be able to get pedicures safely, but they should still take precautions. If you’re considering a pedicure, follow these foot care tips to help protect your feet:
1. Know when to skip a pedicure
If you have an open sore, signs of a foot infection, redness, swelling, severe neuropathy or a history of foot ulcers, skip the salon and contact your healthcare provider or podiatrist instead.
2. Avoid shaving your legs for a day or two before your pedicure
Shaving can leave tiny nicks in the skin that increase the risk of infection. If you have diabetic neuropathy, you may not notice minor cuts or blisters, allowing them to worsen before you notice them.
3. Choose a salon with good sanitation practices
Tell the salon manager you have diabetes and ask how the salon cleans and sterilizes its tools and equipment. A reputable salon should be willing to explain its sanitation practices.
Before your appointment, make sure:
- Reusable tools are sterilized in an autoclave or a hospital-grade disinfectant solution.
- Foot baths are cleaned and disinfected between clients and fitted with disposable liners, when available.
- Single-use items are discarded after each customer.
4. Bring your own nail kit
Bringing your own nail clippers, nail files and other tools provides an extra layer of protection.
5. Mention you have diabetes before the pedicure begins
Let the nail technician know you have diabetes and ask them to avoid aggressive trimming, scraping or cutting. If anything feels uncomfortable, speak up right away.
6. Protect your toenails
Ask the nail technician to trim your toenails straight across and smooth rough edges with a nail file rather than cutting deeply into the corners.
7. Skip any services that can injure the skin
Ask the nail technician not to cut your cuticles or use sharp instruments under or around your nails. Cuticles help protect against infection and should be left intact. If cuticle care is needed, ask the technician to gently push your cuticles back rather than cutting them.
After your pedicure, check your feet for redness, swelling, drainage, increasing pain or other concerning changes. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any of these signs.
Frequently asked questions
Can people with diabetes get pedicures?
Yes. Many people with diabetes can safely get a pedicure if they don’t have active foot problems. If you have diabetic neuropathy, poor circulation or a history of foot ulcers, talk with your doctor or podiatrist first.
Is it safe to get a salon pedicure if you have diabetes?
It can be, as long as the nail salon follows proper sanitation practices and the nail technician avoids cutting or injuring your skin.
Should people with diabetes bring their own pedicure tools?
Bringing your own nail clippers and nail file can help reduce the risk of infection, although proper salon sanitation is still important.
Should people with diabetes have their cuticles cut?
No. Cuticles help protect against infection. Ask the technician not to cut your cuticles or use sharp tools around your nails.
When should someone with diabetes skip a pedicure?
Skip your appointment if you notice cuts, blisters, open sores, redness, swelling or signs of infection. Your doctor or podiatrist can recommend the safest way to care for your feet.
How should I care for my feet after a salon pedicure?
Check your feet for redness, swelling, pain or other signs of infection. Call your doctor if you notice anything unusual.