Let’s Be Honest — Everyone Loves a Good Pedicure

Pretty nails, smooth skin, that satisfying foot massage, what’s not to like?
But if you’re living with diabetes, a nail-bar visit isn’t always the self-care treat it appears to be.

As podiatrists, we get this question all the time: “Is it safe for me to get a pedicure?”
The answer isn’t a hard yes or no, it’s a very informed “it depends.”

Why Diabetic Feet Need Extra Caution

Diabetes changes how your body heals and how your nerves sense pain.
Two main things happen:

1. Reduced circulation (peripheral vascular disease) – cuts or scratches can heal slowly.
   
   

2. Reduced sensation (peripheral neuropathy) – you may not feel pain, heat, or injury until it’s too late.

That means what’s “just a nick” for someone else can become a lingering sore, infection, or ulcer for someone with diabetes. With nail salons lack of medical training, shared tools, footbaths, and busy turnover can sometimes increase that risk.

Common Risks in Typical Nail Bars

Let’s walk through what we often see as podiatrists:

• Non-sterile tools - The Australian Government and State governments dictate that all nail bars use an Auto-clave to sterilise their instruments which have the capability to break the skin. This does not include files, burrs, brushes and cuticle pushers, which all have the capability to carry bacteria and fungus across clientele.
  
  

• Aggressive cuticle work - cutting too deep creates tiny openings that invite infection.
  
  

• Improper nail cutting- Excessive trimming down the side of the nail can leave spicules, which can be the start of an ingrown toenail
  
  

• Foot baths with residue - even a small amount of water left behind can harbour microbes.
  
  

• Abrasive foot filing - removing too much skin can cause cracks and bleeding.
  
  

• Tight polish applications- Nail polish reduces the amount of permeable light (UV) and oxygen to the nail bed, which can encourage fungal infection growth and can damage the nail if on the nail for a long time. 

Most salons mean well but even a clean-looking space doesn’t always guarantee medical-grade hygiene.

 If You Do Go to a Salon, Follow These Podiatrist-Approved Suggestions

You don’t have to swear off nail care entirely. Here’s how to do it safely:

1. Bring your own tools. Clippers and files that only touch your feet remove cross-contamination risk.
   
   

2. Ask how they sterilise. Tools should be autoclaved (steam-sterilised) after every client, not just wiped down. Inspect the sterilising bag and make sure it has not been opened before your appointment.
   
   

3. Skip the razors and callus shavers. They can cause micro-tears and bleeding.
   
   

4. Avoid cuticle cutting. Your cuticles are an important part of infection management on the nail, you want to keep them intact.
   
   

5. Don’t soak too long. Extended soaking softens the skin and raises infection risk.
   
   

6. Tell them you’re diabetic. A good technician will adjust pressure and avoid any cuts or buffing near injured skin.
   
   

7. Check your feet after. If you notice redness, swelling, or pain within 24 hours, contact a podiatrist immediately.

Education goes a long way. Many nail techs simply aren’t aware how serious a small cut can be for a diabetic client.

The Podiatry Alternative

Many podiatry clinics offer medical-grade nail and skin care services that look a lot like a pedicure, but with sterile instruments, clinical standards, and with Podiatrists who are medically trained.

These appointments include:

• Nail trimming and filing by a qualified clinician

• Proper infection control
  
  

• Reduction of hard skin or corns
  
  

• Gentle moisturising for circulation support
  
  

It’s the same relaxing experience without the medical risk.

 Why Foot Hygiene Matters More Than Vanity

A lot of people think foot care is about aesthetics. For diabetics, it’s about preserving mobility and preventing infection which can lead to more serious foot complications.

Keeping your nails trimmed and your skin hydrated reduces pressure points and cracks that bacteria and fungus love. Paired with the right non-binding, breathable socks and proper footwear, you’re protecting your feet from the ground up.

The Bottom Line

If you have diabetes, your feet deserve the same attention you give your blood sugar.
Nail bars aren’t always off-limits, but they require extra caution and informed choices.

When in doubt, choose clean over cute, sterile over sparkly, and safety over speed.
Because the goal is simple: keep your feet healthy, functional, and free from complications.