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Posted 12/17/2006 6:35 AM (GMT 0)
I read something quite some time ago, before I was diagnosed a diabetic and now it comes to mind as could affect me.

What I heard is that a diabetic lady, I suppose she had some neuropathy, had a pedicure done. There, the pedicurist unknowingly nicked her toes or toenails (not sure of the exact instance) and because of the lady's poor circulation, she didn't feel anything, infection set in and it lead to amputation.

I love getting pedicures done, maybe only twice a year, but it is such a treat. Is it all right for diabetics to get pedicures?

I have read how important foot care is.  Is the same true for newly diagnosed as it is with people that have diabetes for years and the disease is more elevated?

Posted 12/17/2006 3:42 PM (GMT 0)

There have been several incidents in the news about pedicures (and manicures) leading to serious infections because of contaminated instruments.  Those infections are even more serious for diabetics but anyone can be infected.  The medical community says to make sure your manicurist sterilizes the instruments.  An article I read also suggested that they not cut the cuticle around the nail because that can introduce bacteria.  They can just push the cuticle back instead of cutting it away.  If I were you, I'd also ask my physician about it.

Lanie

Posted 12/18/2006 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
I actually have a sign in my bathroom cabinet reminding me to check my feet daily. For myself, I would never get a commercial pedicure done because my feet are too valuable to me. I have already lost four toenails to chronic ingrown toenail infections so I'm extra careful.

You can do your own filing of nails and polish. By the way... I only file my toenails, never clip them since my ingrown problems. Some of my nails are thick and my podiatrist told me to use a buffer, the ones used on artificial nails, to remove my thickened nail instead of trying to clip it.

I know it's not the same but Valerie, could you maybe persuade a family member to put lotion on your feet?
Posted 12/18/2006 12:50 PM (GMT 0)

Jeannie, is it possible that the thickened nail is the result of nail fungus?  A home remedy for that and hopelessly calloused heels is Vicks Vapo Rub.  Recent medical columns I read said that feet callouses may also be fungal infections and regular creams don't help that much.   I don't have nail fungus but I did have terrible heel callouses.  No medicines or creams worked except the vapo rub which also softens nails.  Just a thought.

Lanie

Posted 12/18/2006 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
My thickening nail is from decreased circulation according to my podiatrist. The circulation problems are a direct result of me ignoring my diabetes and pretending it would go away for years after my diagnosis.... Yes, I admit it... I'm blond.
Posted 12/19/2006 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
I can see why we have to be careful with cuts, open sores etc, on feet, but what do calloused heels have to do with diabetes?
Posted 12/19/2006 1:23 AM (GMT 0)

Rose118 said...
I can see why we have to be careful with cuts, open sores etc, on feet, but what do calloused heels have to do with diabetes?

I think the concern is that a callous might be cut during a pedicure ... and then that would be an issue.
Posted 12/19/2006 2:22 AM (GMT 0)

Yes, exactly, Ruth.  I'm sorry if I was misleading.  I think my comment evolved from diabetic caution with pedicures to just a home treatment for callouses on the feet - I didn't mean to imply they had to do with diabetes.

Lanie

Posted 12/31/2006 9:13 AM (GMT 0)
Are ingrown toenails common among diabetics? I get them in my big toes and my mom did too
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