Why a Pedicure Can Be Dangerous if You Have Diabetes

Pedicures can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to pamper yourself, but if you have diabetes, they can be dangerous. Diabetes affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels and can lead to complications, including reduced sensation in the extremities and impaired blood flow. If you get a pedicure that results in some type of injury, diabetic complications can mask the pain and result in a serious health risk. If you have diabetes and are considering a pedicure, consult a diabetic foot care podiatrist to discuss it before you do. 

Pedicure Risks for People With Diabetes

Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy, a condition that develops when nerves in the body’s extremities are damaged, causing reduced sensation. Because patients with diabetes may not be able to feel pain, temperature changes, or pressure as well as others, a pedicure can be a significant risk if patients can’t feel if the water is too hot or the tools are too sharp, potentially resulting to burns, cuts, and injuries.

Another common complication of diabetes is peripheral arterial disease, which restricts blood flow to the extremities, particularly the feet. Proper blood circulation is crucial for wound healing and infection prevention. A pedicure that involves aggressive scrubbing or cutting of the cuticles can inadvertently cause injuries, which may not heal well due to poor blood flow, leaving the door open for infections.

Common Dangers Associated With Pedicures

• Infections. The combination of reduced sensation and impaired blood flow makes those with diabetes vulnerable to infections. Even a tiny cut or scrape from a pedicure can become a breeding ground for bacteria. If left untreated, these infections can escalate rapidly, leading to severe complications that might require hospitalization.
• Cuts and burns. Using sharp tools during pedicures, such as cuticle clippers and callus removers, can result in accidental cuts and burns. Given the compromised healing capacity of diabetic feet, these seemingly minor wounds can quickly become major health issues.
• Ingrown toenails. If a toenail is cut too short, it can become ingrown or infected. Ingrown toenails are typically painful for most people, but they pose a serious threat to those with diabetes. The pressure and inflammation caused by an ingrown toenail can escalate into a serious infection that requires immediate medical attention.

Patients with diabetes must consistently check the condition of their feet for cuts and scrapes, especially after a pedicure. One significant risk for those with diabetes is suffering an injury to the foot that does not heal. This can turn into a diabetic foot ulcer. If a foot ulcer is not taken care of properly, it can become infected, and the infection can spread to deeper tissues, bones, and joints. In severe cases, this can result in tissue death (gangrene) and necessitate amputation to prevent the spread of infection.

Diabetic Patients Who Want a Pedicure

Because pedicures pose serious risks to diabetic patients, it’s important to seek professional foot care on a regular basis. A podiatrist can provide suggestions for how to enjoy regular pedicures while minimizing the risks. Additionally, there are tips for helping improve your chances of a risk-free pedicure.

Improve Your Chances of a Risk-Free Pedicure

• Always choose a reputable salon. Choose a salon with a reputation for adhering to strict hygiene standards. Ensure the tools used for the pedicure are properly sanitized to prevent the risk of infections.
• Communicate your condition. Inform the nail technician about your diabetes and associated complications, such as neuropathy or impaired blood flow. This will help them take extra precautions and be gentler during the procedure.
• Avoid cutting cuticles. Cutting cuticles can create openings for infection. Instead, ask the technician to gently push the cuticles around your toenails.
• Say no to sharp tools. Request that the technician avoid using sharp tools that could potentially cause cuts or injuries to your toes or feet.
• Check the water temperature. Test the water temperature before immersing your feet, as reduced sensation might prevent you from accurately gauging how hot the water really is.
• Moisturize, but do not soak. Skip soaking your feet in water. Extended soaking can soften the skin and make it more prone to cuts. Instead, ask the technician to moisturize your feet, but do not apply lotion between your toes.

While a pedicure is meant to be a relaxing experience, paying attention to your body's response afterward is essential. If you have any of the following symptoms, immediately consult your doctor:

• Severe pain
• Redness or warmth
• Fever or chills
• Swelling
• Pus or fluid discharge
• Nausea or vomiting

Essential Tips for Caring for Diabetic Feet

Caring for diabetic feet is important to maintain overall health and prevent complications. Here are some essential foot care tips to incorporate into your daily routine that can help to reduce your risk for diabetic foot complications and maintain optimal foot health:

• Perform a daily inspection. Do a daily self-exam of your feet. Inspect your feet for cuts, blisters, or any signs of infection. If you notice anything unusual, seek medical attention immediately.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your feet daily with mild soap and lukewarm water. Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections.
• Wear proper shoes. Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes that provide ample support and protection. Avoid open-toed shoes that leave your feet vulnerable.
• Protect your feet. Protect your feet by wearing seamless, moisture-wicking socks to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blisters.
• Control blood sugar levels. Keep your blood sugar levels in check through proper diet, exercise, and medication. Stable glucose levels promote better overall foot health.
• Hydrate and eat well. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support overall health, including foot health.
• Avoid self-treatment. Refrain from using over-the-counter treatments for corns, calluses, or other foot problems.
• Contact a podiatrist. If you notice any abnormalities or injuries, consult a podiatrist promptly to prevent complications before they become more serious.