Hair and Beauty - FAQ

I have my hair permed regularly, but recently the perming solution has produced an allergic type reaction. Do other people with diabetes have similar problems?

There is no reason why diabetes should affect the perming process, and there is no reason to believe that perms will not take in people with diabetes. However, as the process involves chemical alterations to the hair structure, there will be a wide variation in the susceptibility of an individual’s hair to perming. Try a different perming solution, as you may have developed an intolerance to the one that you usually use.

I’ve been told I can’t have electrolysis because of my diabetes. Why not?

Many places offering electrolysis treatment will refuse to take people with diabetes unless they have a covering letter from their doctor. Actually, there’s usually no danger and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go ahead unless you have neuropathy (nerve damage) in the area on which you are having electrolysis. In this unusual case, you might not be aware if the treatment is causing any damage or discomfort. Remember to use a registered beautician.

What is the problem with waxing and diabetes? I need to know exactly what happens if you have diabetes and were to wax?

For people with diabetes, the issues of hair removal while similar to those of people without diabetes, do require extra consideration. Firstly if someone has any diabetes related problems with their legs or feet, it would not be advisable to use a waxing treatment. There is the potential that this treatment may aggravate the problem or cause an injury due to either the hot wax, the trauma of the removal of the wax or a combination of both. However if someone with diabetes did not have any diabetes related leg, foot or skin complications then waxing treatments are not contra indicated. However caution should always be exercised to avoid using wax that is very hot as it may cause a burn to the area.

My health club has refused to let me use their sunbed and sauna. Do they know what they’re talking about?

There is no reason why someone with diabetes should be banned from using a sunbed. The dangers of skin damage caused by this treatment are the same for everyone. However, if you’re on insulin or sulphonylureas the heat from a sunbed or sauna could affect your blood glucose levels, so you need to tell people at the club how to spot and treat hypoglycaemia. You should also check that your blood glucose level isn’t too low before you start. Keep something to treat a hypo with you - not with your clothes in the changing room.

I have a very dry scalp and sores. Are these caused by having diabetes?

Dry scalp and sores are not normally associated with diabetes. However, if your blood glucose is raised, this may be aggravating an underlying problem. If the problem is only in your head, it may be an allergic reaction to something you are using in your hair. Talk to your pharmacist about getting special hair products.

I would like to get a henna tattoo but I was wondering if they were safe for people with type 1 diabetes?

The normal guidelines for having tattoos apply plus you need to have a patch test to ensure you are not allergic to the henna. A registered tattooist who adheres to good standards should only do tattoos. It is important to remember that if you do not have good control, you may be prone to infection, poor healing, and scaring. Individuals with sensory (feeling) neuropathy would be well advised not to have a tattoo.

 

APP/KOL/AC 22/02/07