Since most pedicurists will not turn a client away, education is important so that they know when to refer the client to a medical professional, as many of these clients are younger and healthier looking than in past decades. By offering pedicure services to these “high risk” clients, minor skin irritations, or pushing back of the cuticle too vigorously can often lead to serious complications and infections. With such poor micro-circulation, even the slightest skin irritation caused by the edge of a nail file can take along time to heal. Diabetics are also often prone to fungal infections and serious care should be taken to prevent any cross contamination during the foot soak in spa style tubs or with any implements used during the pedicure.
The skin on the feet of diabetics is particularly susceptible to the problem of extreme dryness, plus the unpleasant results of itching and skin inflammations, particularly between the toes. Studies show that lack of moisture, not oil, is at the heart of the problem. Without prevention and adequate management, skin ulcers can develop. Diabetes often leads to peripheral vascular disease that inhibits a person’s blood circulation. With this condition, there is a narrowing of the arteries that frequently leads to significantly decreased circulation in the lower part of the legs and the feet. Poor circulation contributes to diabetic foot problems by reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrition supplied to the skin and other tissue, causing injuries to heal poorly. Therefore, these clients may often be less able to sense injury or pressure on the foot. Poor circulation can also lead to swelling and dryness of the foot. Preventing foot complications is more critical for the diabetic client because poor circulation impairs the healing process and can lead to ulcers, infection, and other serious foot conditions. A foot injury may go unnoticed until severe infection develops.
DID YOU KNOW... that one out of every five people with diabetes will be hospitalized for foot problems? Many amputations could be prevented with proper foot care and daily foot hygiene and inspection. Current research shows that oil based ointments or heavy, greasy creams and salves containing a high fat content are unsuitable for diabetics to use for skin care of the foot. In fact, by occluding the skin, they can cause additional damage by causing an accelerated break down of the already vulnerable skin. Studies by diabetologists from Germany showed that skin changes in the diabetic foot do not involve loss of fat, but marked loss of water from the skin. Instead of oil and fat-based ointments and salves, the use of skin-care agents that bind additional moisture into the skin such as preparations containing urea are suggested. Urea, an end product of protein metabolism and part of the body’s natural moisturizing factor, has been used in dermatology for over 50 years. However, it is only more recently that it has undergone closer scrutiny regarding properties advantageous to the feet. Urea is regarded as one of the most important natural moisture-binding agents, preventing water losson the skin surface. When applied externally in a non-occlusive base, it enhances the waterbinding capacity of the skin’s corneal layer, as well as other positive effects on itching and inflammation.
Daily routine care of feet for diabetic
clients:
• Check your feet every day. Inspect the top,
sides, soles, heels, and between the toes.
• Wash your feet every day with lukewarm
water and mild cleansers, and dry them
thoroughly, especially between the toes as
infections can develop in moist areas.
• Test the temperature of the water before
immersing your feet, because the normal
ability to sense hot temperature is usually
impaired in diabetics. Burns can easily occur.
• Apply a moisturizer after bathing the feet.
Because of skin changes associated with
diabetes, the feet may become very dry and
may crack, potentially causing an infection.
Soften dry skin with a non-greasy creambased
product such as the new cream foam
technology.
• Soak your feet in lukewarm water to soften
the nail before trimming. Do not cut nails
down close to the hyponychium or around
the nailfold.
• Do not push back cuticles, do not use sharp
implements, only use soft file.
• NEVER use commercial corn cures - this is
so important for clients with diabetes as it is
very easy to damage the skin.
• Exercise daily to promote good circulation.
Avoid sitting with legs crossed or standing
in one position for prolonged periods of
time as this slows blood circulation.
• Stop smoking. It decreases blood flow to the
feet.
Call Koi Day Spa #504-538-1071 today to book your pedicure with one of our qualified diabetic pedicurist.
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