PODIATRIST ISSUES PEDICURE WARNING TO DIABETICS

Dr. David Armstrong, Professor of Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, recently told Medscape.com that even a pedicure or massage treatment could inadvertently result in a serious foot problem if you get a cut or bruise. He said, "A minor nick during a pedicure or excessive pressure during a leg massage could potentially spiral into serious complications." However, he stopped short of advising a ban on leisure foot treatments for diabetics altogether, saying that patients should instead consult with a health professional first and follow his four key rules if they are hoping to get pampered.

 

Dr. David Armstrong

 

These include avoiding pedicures if you have active infections, open sores or cuts, requesting that foot baths and tools are properly sterilized before use, and ensuring you visit a properly licensed salon rather than attempting it yourself, as this can heighten the risk of injuries. You should also make sure you are not shaving your legs in the 48 hours before a pedicure, as tiny cuts can potentially act as a gateway to infection.

 

Source: Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas, Mirror [10/29/23]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News