Pedicure tips: how nail techs can safely support clients with diabetes

Learning about the condition and how to take extra care with clients who have it is key to making diabetic clients feel safe and able to enjoy their nail experience. Here, we explore how the condition can affect clients and what you need to consider as their nail pro…

Why & how does diabetes affect feet?

Diabetic clients are at much greater risk of developing foot problems. This is because their increased blood sugar levels can damage the sensations in their feet.

Diabetes can also affect blood circulation, which can lead to sufferers getting less blood supply to their feet. Without a good blood supply, diabetics may have problems with cuts and sores healing and may get cramps and pain in their legs or feet. If these problems aren’t treated, this could lead to foot ulcers, infections and at worst, amputations.

Most foot problems can be prevented with good, regular footcare.

According to Diabetes UK, if people with diabetes experience any of the below problems, they need to see a diabetes specialist or GP:

• Tingling sensation or pins and needles (like numbness).
• Pain (burning sensation).
• A dull ache.
• Shiny, smooth skin on the feet.
• Hair loss on the legs and feet.
• Loss of feeling in the feet or legs.
• Swollen feet.
• Feet not sweating.
• Wounds or sores that don’t heal.
• Cramping in the calves when resting or walking.
• Foul smell coming from an open wound.
• Blisters and cuts that can be seen but not felt.

Expert advice for pedicure services

“It’s important for diabetics to regularly check their feet,” says Margaret Dabbs OBE, founder of Margaret Dabbs London. “Run your hand over the top, sides and back of the heels and underneath to check for any unusual lumps, bumps or hard skin.

“If you think anything looks like a cause for concern, recommend the client either has a diabetic foot check-up or sees a podiatrist.”

“Clients who suffer from diabetes can be treated in a salon, as long as there is no infection, ulcers or neuropathy,” comments Teresa Frake, LCN master trainer.

“Gentle moisturising products are beneficial for diabetic clients, as they tend to have dryer skin and sometimes cannot feel the difference between hot and cold. If carrying out a wet pedicure, ensure the water in the foot bath is not too hot before the client immerses their feet.”

“Nail and beauty pros should remember that if a client has a loss of sensation in their feet, they should be cautious with the water temperature, massage pressure and take extra care with cutting and filing, as people with diabetes are more prone to infection,” comments Gareth Hicks, DUET Diabetes educator.

“It is also important not to undertake nail work or a treatment if the client has a nail and/or skin infection (whether bacterial or fungal), as there is a risk of spreading it to other areas, as well as contamination of equipment. Explain to the client why you can’t carry out the service and refer them to a GP, then once the infection has been resolved, they can be encouraged to return for the original treatment.”

Check out DUET Diabetes’ range of workshops here.