Are Manicures/Pedicures Safe?

[Cordelia]

Are Manicures and Pedicures safe?

My 40th  birthday is tomorrow and my best friend wanted to take me for a pedicure, treating me to one as a birthday gift.   I've pretty much said "no" on the pedicure. I have neuropathy in my feet and can't stand someone else touching my feet as they are super sensitve with damaged nerves.  So, I've kind of opted to have a manicure  instead.

However,  my fingernails are always so brittle because of the kidney disease/dialysis.   

I said to her I'd consider a mani maybe instead, but defintely no on the pedicure.

Is it safe to have a manicure while on dialysis?  What exactly do they do to your nails when you go for a manicure?

I'm a little worried they might break a nail on me since mine are so brittle.

Should I go or not? What do you all think? I need some advice here.   I have no idea if this kind of thing is safe for people on dialysis       

I don't want to hurt my best friend's feelings, but  I'm concerned and don't want to risk getting infection or something happpening.   What should I do?

I haven't had a mani since my wedding day almost 17 years ago and obviously back then I was not on dialysis yet to have to worry about this kind of stuff.

My best friend is diabetic .....so I guess if she's not worried, maybe I shouldn't be either. I feel guilty maybe I'm being worried/paranoid for nothing.

I don't know what to tell her and I really don't want to hurt her feelings.  I already feel bad enough I've said no to the pedicure,but I just can't have strangers touching my feet with super sensitive feet with the neuropathy, it is so painful.         

[jbeany]

It's only after transplant that manicures become a real problem.  Too much risk of infection, especially if they attempt to cut away cuticle and don't use sterile tools.  I don't recall ever being warned against it while I was still on D. 

[Traveller1947]

I know so many dialysis patients who would never be willing to give up their manicures--being pampered is so good for the morale.  And yet I know one patient who lost the tips of two fingers to the infections that followed a manicure.  I myself have painful neuropathy in my fingers, so manicures are out of the question for me.  But if I were able to have one, I would bring my own tools and polish, and disinfect the tools just before they're used.  Better safe than sorry.  All the best to you, as always.

[Rerun]

I go just to get a polish change.  Usually $5.  They don't cut anything.  Only file and polish.

[jeannea]

I wouldn't risk it. Too much risk of infection. Maybe she can treat you to a nice shoulder massage instead?

[Brightsky69]

I don't risk it. Plus I just had to get an ingrown toenail cut out. I had to pre med for that. Plus it seems like a waste for something I can do myself at home.

[Annig83]

I go every 3 weeks.  I always ALWAYS make sure they have new tools, and ask them to do so, but the place I go knows me very well.  I get pedicures too, and I always ask them to clean out the tub again, even if they say they did, I explain to them why.  I've never had an infection from the place I go... and I've been going to this place for 3 months (since I just moved), but I've been going since I was 20 or so.  I agree with Rerun though, if you have any concerns just get the polish change.  Also make sure they have their certificates on the wall, making sure that they are professionals.  Again, if you are really concerned ask your friend if she would be willing to take you for dinner, or something... if she's really your friend, she'll understand.

[Lovebelle]

I would definitely not get a pedicure if you have any type of neuropathy in your feet. If you do, I would refuse to allow them to cut your toenails or anything of that nature. I even follow this general rule when it comes to myself since I dont want to risk any type of infection and I have known people who have developed fungal infections.

[Jean]

Oh, the fungal infections!!! From a manicure 3 years ago, a fungus on my right hand finger which is still not cleared up and has cost me about $300.00 in OTC meds and 2 RX's. One on my right big toe, form the manicure place and one on the left foot. They are so difficult to treat and you know it is ugly and takes forever. Personally, after this, I would pass, altho I do love my pedicures. Just not any more.

[WishIKnew]

Wow!  So glad I read this!  I always chewed my weak fingernails before my transplant.  Now they are strong and pretty and I don't chew them.  So, I thought for my birthday I'd ask for an manicure - at 48 I've never had one and it seemed such a luxury!  Plus, truth be told, I really don 't know how to shape my nails at all myself and the cuticles, well I always just chewed them, now?  So, i guess I'll just have to practice on my own!  Thanks for letting me know about the dangers, I'd have never thought of it!

 

[rsudock]

I really want one too....boo!   

xo,
R

[mcclane]

I'm probably going to be the only guy responding to this, but when I was on dialysis my wife and I would go get pedicures, it felt great !  Only thing I didn't like was my feet and my calf area of the legs were swollen with fluid (PD), so when they started massaging the calf area you could see the trail left behind on my legs.

I've only gotten a manicure once, I didn't care much for it, but a pedicure sure feels damn good 

Since my transplant, I've gotten a pedicure once, and I've not run into any issues.  I especially like it when they use that razor thing and scrape off the dead skin from my heels 

[monrein]

I think the main thing is that the place be extra hygienic.  Don't be afraid t ask about their sterilization procedures, OR if you're really nervous buy your own equipment...even cuticle clippers and bring them with you.  I have pedis and manis regularly but I never let them use the razor thingy...I prefer to keep that thick skin to a minimum by going regularly and using a wooden foot sander on my feet every time I shower or bathe.

[Cordelia]

Thank you everyone for your replies, I am so appreciative of your opinions/advice/thoughts!!                 

I was leery with this idea to begin with and you guys really helped firm up my decision and that is I have decided NOT to pursue this.

I had also asked one of my nurses and she really highly advised against doing it.

My best friend who is diabetic, I'm really quite surprised actually that she goes every now and then.    I just don't want to risk infection.  If I were to go, I KNOW I'd be worrying about it and what's the point going if I'm not going to enjoy it, it's just not worth the aggravation and worry!

I know my friend means well and her gesture is so thoughtful, but I'm sure she will understand when I tell her.

[Wildrose]

When I started Dialysis 2 months ago my nurse told me to NOT ever get a mani or pedi. I can't remember the reasons she gave, but I'm sure it has to do with risk of infection. Pretty much what everyone else said, lol.

[Cordelia]

I told my friend lastnight, my decision.  She was very understanding. We're going to the movies instead.       

[cassandra]

Have a great time my darling(s)

love Cas

[Cordelia]

Thanks, Cas!         

Going to a movie theater will be much better, I think!         

[cattlekid]

Hmmmm....my home hemo nurse and I compare no-chip manicures all the time.  She never said boo to me about a manicure.  But I will only go to one place that I know is reputable.  I stay away from the really cheap places.

When I started Dialysis 2 months ago my nurse told me to NOT ever get a mani or pedi. I can't remember the reasons she gave, but I'm sure it has to do with risk of infection. Pretty much what everyone else said, lol.

[Cordelia]

I don't know anything about manicures/pedicures, I wouldn't know who is reputable around my home and who isn't.     Pre dialysis, I never had them regularily so I just wouldn't know. 

[Traveller1947]

Going to the movies sounds like a great plan!  What sounds good?

[Cordelia]

LOL I haven't been to the theater for ages. I don't even know what's playing right  now.....

Anyone got any ideas?  LOL

[jbeany]

Hmmm....there's a place in the mall here that does 15 minute mini-massages on your neck and shoulders.  I think I'd suggest that to your friend next time she wants to treat you!   

[Cordelia]

Hmmm....there's a place in the mall here that does 15 minute mini-massages on your neck and shoulders.  I think I'd suggest that to your friend next time she wants to treat you!   

Sounds good too!

[mcclane]

LOL I haven't been to the theater for ages. I don't even know what's playing right  now.....

Anyone got any ideas?  LOL

battleship 

we had to stop going to the movies, we used to enjoy going to the movies alot, but since everyone and their dog has a smart phone now, and people refuse to turn the f'n things off in the movie theatre (nothing like the backlight of a smartphone illuminating in a dark movie theatre  ), we just stopped going.  We would rather wait for it to appear on dvd/blu ray and rent it then.