Avoid Defeat: What You Need to Know About Diabetes and Pedicures!
A salon pedicure is by definition, a moment of pampering. The last thing a client expects after sinking into salon bliss is a health complication! Unfortunately, for diabetics, there's a need to err on the side of caution in order to keep their service from sabotaging their health! A topic not often covered, we wanted to take the opportunity to set the record straight on what you need to know about pedicures and diabetes!
Let's start with the basics!
Type 2 diabetes is best known for compromising the body's ability to metabolize sugar. However, this multi-faceted disease can also lead to issues in blood flow and circulation. Any activity which requires a diabetic to sit still for long periods of time can aggravate their condition. Therefore, it's important to be aware of the special precautions you can take to help your diabetic clients stay comfortable and cared for during your services! Here are some tips for tailoring your pedicures to diabetic clients.
1) Know the Warning Signs
Not all diabetics suffer from an abnormal level of numbness or circulation problems, therefore the main responsibility lies in your client to inform you of their personal level of risk. However, certain clients may avoid mentioning their condition for fear of being difficult or because they assume it won't be an issue.
Know what to look for in order to prevent circulation problems before they occur! There are a couple of warning signs you can count on to alert you of a compromise in blood flow.
- Dry, scaly skin with little or no hair growth
- Thin, shiny, parchment-like skin on the leg, especially along the shin bone
- Changes in color, often looking mottled purplish or brown in appearance
- A buildup of excess dry, dead skin around the nail fold
- Higher than normal amount of callus formation
*Source: Footlogix*
Water temperature is another tell-tale sign for circulation issues. Take notice if your client continually asks you to raise the temperature of the water in their pedicure basin. If your client does not appear to be responding to a normal level of heat, they may be experiencing numbness.
2) Cater the Conversation
If you notice any of the above warning signs, open up the conversation with your client. There's a tactful way to work health into your regular client conversation. Begin by asking broad questions such as "Do you ever get tingling or numbness in your toes or feet?" or "Do you find yourself getting cramps in your feet or calves?" These questions will open the door for your client to voice any concerns they may have avoided mentioning before the service began. Sometimes all it takes is a single question to make your client feel comfortable and confident in disclosing their health issues with you.
3) Delicate in the Details
Once you've had a chat with your client and confirmed their circulation troubles, proceed with a delicate hand! Assure your client they should feel free to inform you if they're feeling any discomfort throughout the remainder of the service. As for you, take it upon yourself to be extra delicate and attentive to detail. Take extra caution when working with the cuticles and trimming your client's toenails. Avoid adding unnecessary pressure to the sides of the nailbed to prevent cramping. We recommend minimizing the soak and softening time for your clients if they suffer from circulation problems. One of our most popular brands for pedicure services is the medical-minded Footlogix. Their pediceutical products are created with foot health in mind. Visit Footlogix's online resource for more info on how to tailor your product applications to diabetic clients.
