Are mani-pedis safe for diabetics?
Diabetics are at a higher risk of foot problems, because their condition can cause nerve damage that results in a loss of feeling in their feet, and even changes in the shape and size of their feet and toes. Extreme dryness, skin inflammation and serious foot infections make having a pedicure something to think about more carefully. Foot treatments and mani-pedis are only viable if the salon, staff and products meet certain standards. VICTORIA KOH from Flair Nails gives us the lowdown on salon safety.
What to watch out for:
Professionally geared to diabetics
Staff need to know how to perform a pedicure hygienically and with special attention to diabetics’ needs, such as cutting toenails straight across not pushing the cuticle back too far.
Massage and Temperature
Tell your pedicurist if you are diabetic, so she can manage the foot massage pressure; it should be gentler. The footbath temperature should be cooler, as diabetics aren’t as sensitive to heat and may be scalded if the water is too hot.
Hygiene
Look out for salon cleanliness and instrument hygiene to avoid infection and the spread of bacteria. Stainless steel instruments are easier to clean than emery boards and wooden cuticle sticks. Likewise, take care of your own hygiene. If you currently have an infection, ulcer or cut, wait until it has cleared.
Safe Products
Make sure the products used are diabetic-safe. Flair Nails swears by the Footlogix pediceutical foot care range to treat cracked heels and infections. After a thorough exfoliation and scrub, your therapist will apply Footlogix mousse; it contains super-hydrating anti-fungal urea, leaves no greasy residue and gives you baby-soft heels.
Are mani-pedis safe during pregnancy?
Most experts agree that they are. Your nails will be growing with gusto during this time of your life, and as your bump gets bigger you can say goodbye to reaching your toes yourself. So some safe mani-pedi pampering at a salon is not just a treat, but a must.
What to watch our for:
Nauseating Fumes
Salons do use products with chemicals (acetone in polish remover, toluene in nail polish), but the occasional mani-pedi won’t expose you to harmfully large doses, and these chemicals are not thought to be absorbed by the nail bed. If you’re worried, sit next to a window and make sure the salon is well ventilated – especially if these smells make you nauseous.
SALON TIP: Pick your product with care – OPI nail polishes are toluene- and formaldehyde-free, and there are over 700 colours to choose from!
Ankle Massage
If your pedicure includes a mini foot massage, the pedicurist should avoid the ankles. Flair Nails’ popular foot masseuse and pedicurist Marie does not recommend strong reflexology-type massage for pregnant women. She advocates avoiding the ankle altogether, because, she says, “Pressure points here affect the reproductive organs and uterus and could bring on contractions.”
Hygiene
To avoid infection, ensure that you go to a salon that sterilises its equipment.
Flair Nails & Beauty Services
$60 Mani-pedi; $20 Footlogix heel treatment
18 Holland Grove Road, Henry Park Apartments
6468 3989 | www.nailsflair.com
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