Went for a manicure today...

[JIA72]

and when the girl saw my hands she gave me a dirty look, went and put latex gloves on and barely made any contact with my hands. The palms of my hands are completely red and peeling and I have huge patches on my nuckles as well - she didnt even ask what it was or if it was contagious.

Anyone else have a similar experience?

[Charlobo]

I have to tell you that unfortunately when I'm actively flaring, it's hard for me to go and get a pedicure/manicure...I can relate to the whole latex glove thing too. I'd rather self-spa, if you know what I mean.

I'll have to assume that ignorance about our skin condition is largely due to a lack of awareness, and culturally there are significant differences in what it means to have an "illness" and how transmittable it is or can be (which we know Psoriasis isn't, so there). Again, I'll contribute it to a lack of awareness.

If I need to have one done, I'll find the upscale spa in the area, give them a call to schedule a mani/pedi and let them know in advance that I have psoriasis. I'll ask if they have someone who is comfortable with that and go from there.

In general I'll stay away from the mall/corner nail shops, just because in my experience that's where I'll get the latex treatment. If I'm lucky enough to find a person who can handle working with me (and there are quite a few), I'll always return and tip nicely! If only others knew what they were missing ;-)

Good luck, and happy shiny nails to you.

Charlene

[lindsay1982]

that's no fun i hope you find someplace more sensitive. i haven't gotten a haicut in over a year for the same reason (except on scalp obviously). i have heard the more upscale salons are more understanding though.

[SuzanneT]

Funny you should say that..... last night I dreamed that I had a pedicure. Ha ha.... I'm sure the rubber gloves would come out, or they would run the other way if they saw my foot! Guess I'll be polishing my own toes :)

[Resist]

Not to be rude but, what do you expect? It doesn't make them cruel or mean people, just uninformed. The average person does not know about Psoriasis and for all she knew you had something else. It is up to us to inform people. When ever I have to show my battle scars (psoriasis), I make it a point to inform them what it is and that it is not anything they have to worry about. You would be surprised at how many people would actually go home and look it up on the Internet.

[Jillian1507]

that's no fun i hope you find someplace more sensitive. i haven't gotten a haicut in over a year for the same reason (except on scalp obviously). i have heard the more upscale salons are more understanding though.


Hey Linds,

That's crazy! I'll admit that I just don't go to the mall or something, but I do have a wonderful hair stylist and she is always so concerned with me. I think that you should ask a friend or relative who they go to and make a hair appointment! Just advise them a head of time....hair stylists see this all the time! Go get those highlights done!!! LOL

[Allie]

I have learned.... In IL, to pass the nail exam, the nail tech has to be able to identify psoriasis within a matter of 5 mins. (They are taught to identify issues, prior to working on clients, so they don't aggrevate an issue) Also, they HAVE (as in State Regulations) to wear latex gloves when working with people with nail fungas or ANY OPEN SKIN SORES. And add planter's warts to that for the feet. As my p easily cracks and bleeds, my nail tech, who happens to also have p, always wears gloves when working on my hands. Or if it is my arms, so avoids my p spots during the massage. I do not find this to be rude or insensitive, but she is abiding by the regulations here. Even if it was not a regulation, I still would not take offense. She does not know my medical history from "joe smoe", the chances of my bleeding when cleaning my cuticles is high.... I would use latex if I was her, on EVERYONE. I go bi-weekly to the same person I have seen in the last 5 years.

I feel in things like this, it goes back to health concerns, and they should wear latex for all clients. It is our responsiblity, as the client, to ensure we are making our tech's keep sanitary and safe environment.

[lulu'smom]

I've had the same nail place for years. I never have gone in when my hands are flaring. I feel too uncomfortable. I'm waiting because in a few weeks the humira should have me clear enough to go in and feel OK about it..

I'm the same way with a massage. It is really unfortunate because I have PA and would totally benefit from a massage. I just feel uncomfortable. I have guttate P, and look horrid. I'd not want to rub me, and I know I'm not contageous!

I'm sorry you had a bad experience. I can totally relate.

Nancy

[jennmkirby]

Sorry to hear that you guys had some bad experiences! I went for a pedicure a few weeks ago, and I have guttate spots on my feet and a few on my shins. I just explained to the nail tech that it's psoriasis, it's just my immune system and it's not catching. (I'm not sure he understood me, but he nodded and didn't seem bothered. They were all wearing latex gloves and masks anyway.) I think the girl sitting next to me getting a pedicure was more freaked out than he was, but once I started explaining it she asked me some questions and seemed interested to find out about it.

Hey Nancy... I just had a massage last week, and it was great! You should do it, esp. with your PA. I just explained to the guy when I was scheduling the appointment (we were out of town for the weekend) that I have psoriasis which was actively flaring on my back. I had read that when you're flaring you shouldn't get a massage because it can aggravate it. But I also knew from previous massages that it can help release toxins, and I wanted that, so I was kind of willing to risk the flare (and it did, but I was better within a few days.) Anyway, he didn't seem to mind doing my massage at all... he said he'd seen all sorts of skin problems and it didn't bother him a bit... he just wants to help heal people and make them feel better, that's his job. Hope that makes you feel better! (I'm sure you don't look horrid, btw!)

Jenn

[crazyme]

I can relate. I want to get a pedicure so bad. But I am so hugely embarassed. My toenails are pulling away from the skin and one is starting to pit. They are so thick and hard to cut. My hubby makes fun of me. :)

Anyway, I had a nail tech dig from under the toenails vigorously a few years back and they are so much worse now. Then I read somewhere that you aren't supposed to do that because it makes the nails separate from the skin more.

Allie: Didn't know that about the windy city. I am from Chicago as well. The person who did my toenails was from an upscale salon. She didn't freak but I think she made them worse. I will ask next time for someone who is experienced with p.

I never thought about calling them ahead of time and informing them of the p. I should do that. I just think that my nails are gross so I imagine that no one would want to do my toes. Sigh... I'd also love to get a massage but I have a new p spot on my back.

[swogoddess]

I was told by multiple derms that manicures and pedicures were a no-no - because of the keobner effect. Basically, the "digging" and vigorous efforts on cuticles and under nails will exacerbate or cause p under the nails - and lead to problems. Any trauma to the skin can lead to more lesions - so you should avoid. However, massages can be soothing as long as they aren't "deep muscle" efforts - this can also lead to keobner effect.