I have been trying to purchase a foot bubble spa - many have warnings indicating that you can't use them if you have diabetes (I was considering whether to get one for my mother-in-law) and varicose veins (I quite like the idea of one but have varicose veins on my legs - not on my feet as far as I know).
Could anyone explain why footbaths shouldn't be used in these two instances. (Or for interest in any other instance too)

Thanks

Anita

Many diabetics have absent or decreased sensation to their feet. Meaning that they lack the feeling they once had. It is for this reason that the foot bath is contra-indicted. Many diabetics will place their foot into extremely hot water and not feel it at all, thus doing damage to the foot. However, if your mother-in-law is seen regularly by her podiatrist and is having neurologic testing done on each visit, then her podiatrist will be able to say whether or not the foot bath on occasion is okay.

The varicose veins are a similiar concept in that many people with varicose have poor circulation which is also a compromised individual in a warm bath. You too would need medical clearence prior to utilizing the foot bath.