[DonnaB]

I was just looking at the thread on foot neuropathy and it made me wonder about this. I live in Phoenix, AZ area where we wear sandals just about year round and I like my toes to look nice so I do get regular pedicures. I always ask for them to remove as much callous off bottoms as possible and they do this with a special lotion and then an abrasive to rub it off. I don't have any neuropathy but wonder is this something safe for me to do? My heels look just horrible if I don't. Any input is appreciated.

[kgm0612]

I don't go for pedicures, but I do see the foot doctor every 8 or 9 weeks because I have terrible caluses on the bottom of my feet. He files them down with a scapel and drummel tool. My heels are also quite dry and I really should be applying a foot lotion every night before bed, but I tend to forget.

Karen

[princesslinda]

I think if you're newly diagnosed and under good control, you're probably not going to have a problem...BUT, if your circulation is compromised and you don't have good feeling in your feet, you could have a sore/infection from the scrubbing and not recognize it. That's why they tell diabetics to always check their feet, as the disease progresses, we may lose some of our feeling/sensitivity. My brother-in-law who is a diabetic, has really bad neuropathy and had a sore on his foot that took a LONG time to heal because he had a rock in his shoe and didn't realize it was there and it made a sore.

I'd make sure the person doing the pedicure knew I was a diabetic. Also, you might want to start applying lotion/vaseline to your feet at bedtime and covering with socks to soften your feet so they wouldn't have to use the pumice at your pedicures.

[shockme]

i saw a news special about pedicures-the places weren't changing the wateror cleaning properly.they had customers who had fungus all the way to their knees!just something to think about...trish

[princesslinda]

At the dermatology office I work in part-time, we see lots of toenail fungus that are linked to pedicures (pt's have pedicare, then see the start of the fungus)...they are difficult and costly to treat and tend to recur, even after treatment with Lamisil.

[rzrbks]

While I do some thngs to my feet myself,
I have a Podiatrist who specializes in working with people with Diabetes. I feel safer knowing that I've got a well trained medical person making sure I don't lose toes, feet or legs.

[Mich]

Donna,

I don't go for pedicures for the reasons Linda and others mentioned. But I do regularly use what my family calls my "foot grater" which is made by Dr Scholl. I file away at the end of a shower, right along with the creme rinse for my hair.

I try to remember to wear my terrycloth flip flops with cream on them, but I forget too. I never let the calluses get big because then I get cracked heels and have to wear socks while I sleep, which I can't stand.

I've used Pretty Feet lotion but I think my calluses need something more industrial strength due to the fact I live in sandals.

Ahhh, the price of beauty. Mich

[notme]

I used to get pedicures, but after I went to one particularly rough lady, I decided that I would not do it anymore. I have a routine that I follow since I live in California and my feet can be dry also. I use a pumic stone on my feet every night when I bathe. I also have a file, like a nail file for feet. It has a rougher side and a very fine side. I use that about once a week on my feet. I need to get back to the vaseline and socks. When I do all of that, my feet stay baby smooth and no calous. You have to be diligent.