I have never met a person who said they wanted to lose a leg, yet many patients with diabetes unwittingly put themselves at risk for fungus, yeast, or bacterial infection, and possibly a laceration of the skin that could lead to an infection and ultimately amputation…. all because they used the pedicure services of a nail salon.

Some nail boutiques are extremely conscientious about sterilization of instruments and sanitary practices, but unfortunately many are not. Regardless of the sanitation issue, a pedicure exposes you to risk because it disturbs the skin and cuticle, which serve as a protective seal around nails.

The level of foot care that is provided in a nail salon may be soothing, but instruments that are able to draw blood also carry the danger of transferring bacterial organisms, hepatitis, and HIV. Since sharp, cutting instruments like nail clippers and “potato peeling-type” gadgets are used to trim nails and calluses in every manicure and pedicure parlor in the world, you might want to ask yourself these questions:
• Are technicians appropriately trained to use these instruments?
• Are technicians trained to identify the risk factors their clients may have?
• Do technicians modify their care to be consistent with that risk?
• Are the instruments sterile?
• If I get cut while having my pedicure, am I leaving myself vulnerable to AIDS, HIV, or hepatitis during my brief spa visit?
• If I have a problem with my feet will my pedicurist recognize it and recommend professional care?

Read more about foot care in my new book Keep the Legs You Stand coming to a bookstore near you.

-drhinkes