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• February 19, 2013 1:31 a.m.

  I just found out that I"am pre-diabetic no salons can nick you. I never thought Of all these things trying to get as much information on things now I know Pedicure&manicure. Shouldn't"t done thank you for your advice DeniseA

  - Denise

• January 30, 2013 1:20 p.m.

  Hi everybody! I'm 65 yrs old and I've had Type 1 diabetes for 54 yrs. I can't reach or see well enough to do my own toenails, so I do get pedicures regularly. It took me a while to decide on a salon...some that I checked out refused to take me when I told them I was a diabetic (I guess they're afraid of lawsuits) so I stopped telling people that I'm a diabetic. I don't want to say I've been "lucky" so far because I don't believe in luck, so let's just say the Universe has been with me. My doctor checks me feet on every visit and all is Aok up til now. I absolutely love your website - Thanks for creating it. See ya at the beach...... Paula

  - Paula

• December 1, 2012 3:00 p.m.

  I have been a foot care nurse for almost 20 years. I now have a nonprofit organization, The Coastside Footcare Alliance, located in Half Moon Bay, CA, where I will be providing free medically oriented preventive foot care services, nail trimming and callus reduction, at least one day a month to start. As I get more nurses trained, the hours can be expanded. Most nurses in this country are not aware that we can ( and SHOULD ) be providing this potentially limb and life saving service to our patients.I The buck has to stop somewhere.. and that somewhere should be in the hands of a certified foot care nurse!

  - Laura

• October 2, 2012 5:23 p.m.

  I'm a senior citizen on Medicare, with Kaiser. You can schedule with the podiatry Dept. to get your toenails cut correctly.

  - MF

• July 17, 2012 5:51 p.m.

  I visited the site, www.westerilize.com, and found categories for MNT (Medical Nail Technician), but there was no listed under any state. This would have been a good resource if there was anyone listed. I live in DC and I am going to check out a salon in Silver Spring, MD that offers Medically/Diabetic Foot Pedicure.

  - gina

• June 5, 2012 11:08 a.m.

  I am a diabetic and I go to a salon for pedicures and have never had a problem. I go to Smooth Operator's in Cranston, RI and the place is immaculate! My nail tech does a great job and my feet feel so much better when I leave there.

  - Mary

• April 17, 2012 9:51 a.m.

  I used Sally Hansen's Pedicure In A Minute to get the dead skin off my feet. Anyone can help you with this and it has a built in moisturizing so your feet feel silky after. For thick nails, I use Nonyx Nail Gel. It takes some time, put it on twice a day, but it sure does keep my nails from getting thicker. It's important to keep the dead skin off your feet, however you do it.

  - Sheri

• April 3, 2012 10:55 a.m.

  I recommend my patients if they decide to get a pedicure to go early in the morning or late in the evening and not to go during rush hour (sanitation process 15-20minutes). Also to bring their own equipment and inform them that she/he has diabetes. Keep an eye on the work and if something bothers you let them know, don't be afraid; after all your paying for a service is not free.

  - Fy

• February 11, 2012 7:34 p.m.

  I have had diabetes for a long time now (15 years) and I have an occasional pedicure. I would have them more often but I'm afraid of infection. Recently, I learned that beauty schools that offer pedicures practice strict state-mandated sanitation methods. In addition, they don't cut the cuticle or the nail, they file the nail and push back the cuticle. Does anyone have experience with beauty school pedicures?

  - Betty

• January 14, 2012 6:20 p.m.

  I give myself pedicures. After showering, I use the pumice, rub in lotion, then put on socks. I never go barefoot either.

  - robin

• November 19, 2011 2:00 p.m.

  I really need a pedicure as my nails are in terrible condition. As I'm calling around asking "Do you offer a diabetic pedicure." I don't know what to expect. One salon told me they autoclave their instruments, another that they soak everything in alcohol before and after. I asked about foot soaking as I've been told not to soak my feet, but wasn't sure what the specifications should be. So thank you, because now I know what questions to ask and what to look for.

  - Linda

• October 31, 2011 7:02 p.m.

  I practiced podiatry for 41 years (4 years in the US Army) and I have seen many cases of paronychia generated out of careless salons. I would suggest seeing a podiatrist for any nail problem when your not sure if a salon should be taking care of it. As of yet, I have not seen a podiatric practitioner who paints the nails, however. There can be problems with the nails in individuals who insist on keeping polish on 24/7-365. Both toe nails and finger nails need to be open to the air for a few weeks several times a year.

  - Dr. Matt

• October 26, 2011 1:26 p.m.

  I have used salons and have always informed them that I am a Diebetic...recently I have developed splitting and peeling of the top layer on both my big toes this has been going on for about 3 months.Any suggestions bout this!

  - Sharon

• May 31, 2011 12:26 a.m.

  Dear Nancy black garlic helping regulate blood sugar anyone sick of diabetes , they can try it ,will be their great helper

  - chris

• May 28, 2011 5:52 p.m.

  I go to a reputable salon that sterilizes equipment. I have informed them I have diabetes so they can be extra careful. I feel I am at less risk of gutting cut at the salon than if I cut my nails myself. And, I am vain and like the way my feet look when done :-) However, if I felt there was a risk to my health, I would not do it.

  - Rita

• April 13, 2011 8:57 a.m.

  The main issue with lotion between the toes is: if there is a glob of lotion between the toes there is a moist and dark enviroment for bacteria and fungus to grow.

  - Nancy and Peggy

• April 8, 2011 6:48 p.m.

  I am Type 2 Diabetic managed by diet and exercise. I also have neuropathy in my feet. I see a Podiatrist every 6 weeks . He tells me of numerous problems going to a nail salon. Since they dont use sterilized tools for each person, and that the tubs used for soaking are never cleaned completely, so bacteria is growing there.Beware!

  - Pamela

• April 8, 2011 9:52 a.m.

  I do not understand the problem medical professionals are creating about putting lotion between the toes when a person has diabetes. The skin need lotion all over to prevent chaping, drying and feeling horrible! Please explain this to me. Thank you, Stella

  - Stella

• January 24, 2011 9:29 a.m.

  I have been a diabetic for 27 years, now on a pump. I have a pedicure every 3 months. I find that the cracked skin can also lead to bleeding and sore feet, not to mention ingrown nails. I have never been nicked on my feet, however, I did get a nick on my cuticle with a manicure recently and it took weeks to heal. It's all good now.

  - Kim

• November 22, 2010 11:12 a.m.

  I'm diabetic and I've been getting "free" visits to a podiatrist every two months from my insurance plan. I would suggest avoiding salons and manicurists, and going to podiatrists. They sterilize their tools and know about foot problems and diseases, far more than a salon manicurist ever would.

  - Mara

• August 29, 2010 12:02 p.m.

  I am not diabetic but I know people who are, I am an older man who likes pedicures mainly because I cannot always reach my feet long enough to clip the nails properly and had bad ingrown nails when I was young. Painting is not required, but the foot care (bath, leg massage, heated massage chair) is worth the looks I get and men don't know what they are missing. I have intorduced pedicures to my diabetic friends one of whom is an older woman who had never experienced this even though she became diabetic a number of years ago. She said it is the most wonderful thing, along with going to a spa that has healing pools where you can do some gentle moving like water-robics which is a low-impact exercise. Care, care, and care are the most important aspects of treatment by yourself or another. Find a salon that you examine and feel comfortable with, have a friend go with you perhaps. Communicate with the practicioner, if language is a problem make sure they understand, or find someone who does. The benefits of this are worth the effort to be sure you are safe. My friends sense of self-worth, feeling beautiful and cared-for is a big part of her health. Be beautiful, be careful, be happy.

  - Diabetics friend

• July 2, 2010 3:35 a.m.

  To Debbie:I am not aware of any state that has advance licensing for Manicurists or Nail Technicians. There are certification programs or additional training you can take. One I am aware of is www.westerilize.com. They have programs for (ANT) Advanced Nail Technician and (MNT) Medical Nail Technician. Individuals can also go to this web-site to locate Salons or Nail Technicians in their area who use Autoclave Sterilization. They should still check the Nail Technician out on their own but this is a good place to start. I have been in the beauty industry since 1980 and a licensed Nail Technician since 1993.

  - NAILTECHNICIAN

• June 28, 2010 8:03 p.m.

  Autoclave sterilization provides the only guarantee that an implement will not transfer disease.Look for salons that use one. I was very surprised that you did not recommended PEDICURES for DIABETIC care. The definition of pedicure is care for the feet.(see below)Foot care is a very important part of diabetic care.Properly trained Nail Technicians can greatly help diabetics.Many of my clients had problems, because they were unable or unaware how to properly care for their feet.It is as important to do your research on a Nail Technician as it is for any other service provider.Esp.when your health is involved. You do not seek out the cheapest Doctor or Dentist.Do not look for the cheapest pedicure.A Nail Technician is licensed and trained to preform these services. ped·i·cure1:a.Cosmetic care of the feet and toenails. b.A cosmetic treatment of the feet and toenails. 2.A podiatrist. pedicure:(Medicine) professional treatment of the feet,either by a medical expert or a cosmetician [via French from Latin p?s foot + cur?re to care for] pedicure:care of the feet,either in a cosmetic or medical sense.—pedicurist, n. See also:Feet and Legs Noun1 pedicurepedicure-professional care for the feet and toenails beauty treatment-enhancement of someone's personal beauty care,tending,attention,aid-the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something;"no medical care was required" Verb 1.pedicure-care for one's feet by cutting and shaping the nails, etc. neaten,gr

  - NAILTECHNICIAN

• June 28, 2010 11:15 a.m.

  I've been diabetic for 12 years and insulin taking for almost 2. I started getting pedicures and find them to be very beneficial - when done correctly with no accidental cuts. The removal of the layers of dead skin did a lot to improve the circulation and warmth of my feet - as well as keeping the nails trim dramatically reduced my foot odor. Of particular concern to me is the thickening of the nails making it hard for me to trim them - as well as having ingrown nails on both big toes - the regular pedicures seem to be keeping these under control. nina ntrygg.wordpress.com

  - nina

• May 31, 2010 10:39 a.m.

  some 10-12 years ago i read in prevention magazine that vicks vaporub would smooth out and make disappear callouses and dead skin on the feet. desperate, i tried it. IT WORKS!!!! it also heals the cracks in the sides of my fingers during dry winters, even if the cracks are bleeding.

  - lily