A visit to the spa or a pedicurist is supposed to be relaxing, but for people with diabetes, it can result in an unpleasant infection the next day. No one wants to visit the doctor’s office for a prescription after their stop by the salon! It’s also possible for people without this disease to end up with an infection from improperly sanitized tools and equipment.

The Dangers of Foot Spas

Dozens of people can potentially take a seat at the pedicure station each day. Each person could deposit bacteria, viruses, or fungi in the foot spa water. Ideally, these soaking tubs are properly disinfected between customers and each night. But that doesn’t always happen. Some bacteria are also very stubborn, forming a tough biofilm that protects it from being removed or killed.

Fungal infections can also be transferred between people by poorly sanitized tools such as nail clippers and files.

Signs of Infection

If you develop red and irritated or open sores on the legs and feet, you may have picked up a bacterial infection at the spa. These spots can resemble bug bites and increase in size and severity with time. They may also ooze or contain pus and leave scars behind when they’ve healed.

If you get a fungal infection, your toenails can turn yellow or white, warp, crumble, thicken, or even fall off.

How to Keep This From Happening

If you love visiting the spa and salon, you don’t have to give up that treat. Just take a few precautions to prevent infections. Only patronize clean, well-maintained businesses. If you feel uncomfortable or it doesn’t seem clean, don’t get the pedicure or skip the foot soak. Here are a few other tips:

• Let your technician know that you have diabetes and would like them to be gentle on your feet.
• Bring along a personal set of pedicure tools for the technician to use.
• Ask the technician to skip the metal scrapers as these can damage your skin.
• Ask when they last disinfected their tools and foot soaking tub.
• Tell the technician to cut straight across your toenail and not cut the corners down. This will help prevent ingrown toenails.
• Test the temperature of the water before putting your feet in, especially if you have neuropathy. The ideal temp should be between 90 – 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Above all, get any cuts or scrapes cleaned and covered as soon as they happen to prevent possible infection of the open wound.