Nail Salon Tips for Diabetics

If you have diabetes, you know that you need to be especially careful to avoid injuries like scrapes and cuts to your feet, which is why it is important to check that the nail salon you choose is following the proper procedures during your pedicure. Something as seemingly simple as cutting your nails can result in an infection if the nearby skin is damaged by an uncareful technician.

Here are some excellent nail care tips to keep in mind for your next salon visit:

●     Choose a reputable salon—Make sure all the inspection and licensing papers are posted and current, and watch to see that all the tools are being properly sterilized for each client and that foot soaking solutions are changed frequently.

●     Inform your technician of your disease—Be sure to let your nail technician know that you have diabetes. Good salons will have properly qualified staff that know how to be extra careful with their diabetic patients to avoid injury.

●     Work with your technician—It’s always best to be on the safe side and to remind your nail tech to cut your nails straight across and not too short to help avoid ingrown toenails and toenail fungal infections. Always double check to make sure your pedicurist is using a freshly sterilized tool set to avoid the spread of bacteria.

For diabetic nail and foot care without the risk posed by nail salons, we highly recommend that you consult our board certified podiatrists Andrew Shapiro, DPM and Michael Barkin, DPM. With access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, we can assist you with heel pain, ankle sprains, diabetic foot care, toe deformities, nail fungus, and skin problems, among many other conditions. Our practice is conveniently located on West Merrick Road in Valley Stream to accommodate all of your foot care needs. Call (516) 825-3860 or book an appointment online today!