Is it Safe to Get a Pedicure if You Have Diabetes?

People with diabetes are at greater risk for developing a foot ulceration or infection, which could lead to amputation if it becomes severe. In fact, foot problems are the number one complication that put diabetics in the hospital each year.

Because diabetics have to be so careful about keeping their feet healthy and preventing infection, proper nail care takes on a whole new level of importance for them. This is one very important reason that I opened the Foot & Hand Spa here inside The Foot & Ankle Center, on the campus of Johnston-Willis Hospital. This gives everyone — including diabetics — a beautiful, comfortable place to have their nails done. And, it's absolutely clean; in fact our spa follows the same cleanliness standards as a hospital.

A specialty Diabetic Pedicure is a good choice for patients who have their diabetes under control and do not have severe peripheral arterial disease. Here in our medical-grade nail spa, all of our nail technicians are licensed professionals who understand the anatomy of the foot, diseases of the skin and nails, and the complications associated with diabetes. If you come to us for a Diabetic Pedicure, your nail technician will check your feet carefully for open wounds, pressure spots, infections or other signs that may indicate a problem. And, a board certified podiatrist is always nearby if your technician finds anything that requires medical attention.

Our Diabetic Pedicure is extra gentle, and our nail technicians use instruments that are less likely to damage the skin. Also, since diabetes tends to dry out the skin, which increases the chance of infection, our Diabetic Pedicure incorporates foot masks and hydrating lotions to make the skin as soft and supple as possible.

You can help prevent diabetic foot complications by paying attention to proper foot care. A Diabetic Pedicure in our hospital-clean, medical-grade nail spa can be an important part of preventive foot care for diabetics. To schedule yours, give us a call or request an appointment online.

Our next "Diabetes & Your Feet" seminar is coming up soon, and we invite you to join us if you or a loved one are living with diabetes. I'll talk about proper care for diabetic feet and how you can lower your risk for amputation by up to 85 percent, and will be happy to answer your questions after the presentation.

The event is free, but space is limited, so be sure to register for the seminar to reserve your seat!

Free Seminar: Diabetes & Your Feet

Thursday, May 14, 2015, 5:45 - 7 p.m.
At The Foot & Ankle Center

Register Now

 

We look forward to seeing you there!