Manicure and Pedicure for Diabetics

@Kowgirl (3490)
United States
July 30, 2009 1:05pm CST
I went to get a manicure and a pedicure in a different state and the first thing the woman in the salon asked was if I was a diabetic. I answered her with a yes then asked why she had asked me about it? She quickly replied that diabetics had to have their nails cut in a certain way. I have been getting my nails done for years and have never been asked this before. I just assumed all manicures and pedicures were the same. What a surprise I got... I soon learned that there was a way to cut the fingernails and toenails that would help prevent ingrown nails. Everyone who is a diabetic knows we are prone to ingrown nails, especially of the toes. Do you get your nails cut in a salon that knows how to cut them if you are a diabetic or do they even bother to ask?
2 people like this
7 responses
@mrakobesie (1246)
• United States
30 Jul 09
I don't trust anyone with my nails, and i don't even have diabetes. for people with diabetes it's very important to have their nails done by someone who knows what he/she is doing. diabetics are not only prone to ingrown nails but can also develop many problems if skin around the nail was nicked. plus there is an increased chance for nail infection because microbes love sugar. and they feel very happy and grow fast when blood has a lot of sugar in it.
@Kowgirl (3490)
• United States
30 Jul 09
I use to feel the same way until my doctor told me where to get the best service.I was happy to know there was a place outside of where I live that is so concerned about their customers. Diabetics have a lot to worry about when it comes to taking care of our bodies.
@dolphin2406 (1224)
• Poland
30 Jul 09
Hi, this is a very interesting fact, I had never heard of that before. I am not a diabetic but like to learn about these facts especially regarding health. I used to do nail extensions at a salon so she had to trim my natural nails but was never asked if I was a diabetic. I just did some research, maybe this sites would be of additional information to you or anyone who's interested. http://www.pinoyhenyo.com/How_to_cut_the_nails_of_a-20090326214159553.html http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/diabetic-guidelines.htm http://beauty.indobase.com/nail-care/diabetic-nail-foot-care.html Thanks for sharing! Have a nice day
@Kowgirl (3490)
• United States
30 Jul 09
Thanks for your comment and more thanks for the links...
@momiecat (997)
• United States
30 Jul 09
My sister, who is not a diabetic, has been having pedicures for a long time. She now has a fungus on her toenails. I think that you should thank this woman for being so conscientious. As you know, diabetics can easily develop infections and I think this woman was not only smart but very considerate and professional to be aware of diabetes and what can occur if one is not careful. I don't know how much training these manicurists need but there are so many of them out there that you hope they have been properly trained in all aspects of foot care.
@Kowgirl (3490)
• United States
30 Jul 09
I sure hope your sister finds a salon that is better than the last and can get rid of the fungus. Oh I was very thankful that she took an interest in all her new clients as well as the ones she see regularly. She really knew what to do and was very friendly. I had to soak in a wash that helps prevent fungus before she even touched my nails. Seems as if I am learning more about this disease from more people everywhere.
• Philippines
31 Jul 09
[b][/b]Manicures and pedicures services depends on who perform it, there are manicurist who have no formal training and learned the technique through experiences, others trained in beauty school and they are the professionals, they have seminars on safety, and handling diabetics is one of them. Good thing you met a professional manicurist,because she knows the pros and cons that's why she is asking you first.
@dagma09 (90)
• Philippines
31 Jul 09
I think thats a nice salon. A diabetic person really need a special cut for nails. These prevents him/her from injury. They not cut your nail that may increase growth of ingrown or ingrown should not be cut. These also because diabetic person has a poor healing of wounds.
@tutor19us (455)
• India
31 Jul 09
Thats a good idea Kowgirl. No, from where I come the salon personnel do not have such knowledge and do not ask such questions. Probably they have not been trained in it either.
@_sketch_ (5742)
• United States
30 Jul 09
That's strange. I never knew that diabetics were more prone to ingrown toenails. I don't see why that would make a difference. I always have ingrown toenails and diabetes runs in my family. Hmm..I wonder if there is a connection there. Very strange.