Most Clients feel a pedicure is a pedicure no matter where or who they go to! But as pedicurist we know better! So how can we stand out from the rest? Education! One of the serious health conditions pedicurist should aware of is Diabetes. I have had clients with diabetes.
Should we as pedicurist handle this client any different? Are there things that should be avoided? Having posed these questions to myself I sought the answers by teaming up with Dr Marlene Ried, a Chicago area podiatrist, to educate us, the pedicurist, on some serious health issues. In my interview she had some very pertinent information we should all know before we start working on a client.
Q. Are there signs someone has Diabetes just by looking at there feet?
A. It’s more likely to be the consequences they are going to see. Peripheral vascular disease is decreased circulation and blood flow to the foot and toes.
One of the things they would notice immediately is the absence of hair on the toes, feet or legs. There toes may also be cold and pale due to lack of blood flow.
They may notice if they do something that would normally cause someone discomfort the client would not react. The tech needs to pay special attention to water temperature as the client would not know if the water was too hot.
Q. What are some of the concerns when giving a pedicure to someone with Diabetes?
A. First off, if they have poor sensation to there toes they wouldn’t feel if they were nicked with a nipper or if the feet were over pumiced. The worst scenario is if the client developed an infection they might not heal properly.
Q. What are few things you should absolutely avoid during a pedicure with a diabetic?
A. If there is any infections on the nail refer them to a podiatrist. If there are any ulceration’s, calluses, corns or breaking in the skin avoid being overzealous.
Q. Is it ok for someone with diabetes to get a detoxifying pedicure?
A. Over soaking the feet is not good for Diabetics. Water temperature is also an issue as I mentioned earlier. The best way to test the waters temperature is for the tech to test the water with her elbow, If it is to hot for the tech it is too hot for the client. I would not suggest soaking any longer than a basic pedicure.
Q. Does massage help or are there certain precautions.
A. Massage is good for generating blood flow. The only caution I would have is if the client had arthritis. As the manipulation of the toes a client might not feel.
Q. Are there certain products that should not be used on diabetic feet?
A. I wouldn’t use any callous softeners and avoid anything that can be drying to the skin.
After interviewing Dr Ried, here are my final thoughts.
To be on the safe side ask your clients questions and be prepared for the answer’s. Your clients will feel safer knowing that you have been educated on how to safely perform there service.
A short questioner might not be a bad idea to know a little about your client’s medical history and background. Last, network with an area podiatrist, you could work out a nice referral system and by promoting a partnership to help your pedicure business grow.
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