PEDICARE
Pedicure for diabetics
PEDICURE FOR DIABETICS
What makes diabetic foot care different
People with diabetes are at higher risk of changes to the skin and nails of the feet. As pedicurists, we make people with diabetes aware of the importance of prevention, so they can act early when problems appear. All changes must be treated regularly with suitable, sterile instruments. Thickened skin, calluses and corns must be treated regularly, as they put excessive mechanical pressure on the nerves and blood vessels underneath and can lead to more serious problems such as ulcers. Nails must be trimmed correctly and their edges filed. Thickened, fungal or ingrown nails must be treated, as they can lead to more serious problems. Good prevention and the right foot and nail care products are essential.
PEDICURE FOR DIABETICS
How diabetic foot care works at Pedicare
Diabetic foot care is carried out under the supervision of Tina Jordan, BSc in Podiatry. Podiatry training also covers screening and treating the feet of people with diabetes.
- Consultation and examination. We ask you about your diabetes, circulation and any past wounds, and examine your feet, nails and the spaces between your toes.
- Circulation check. We check the pulses in your feet to assess blood flow.
- Treatment. Using instruments sterilised after every use, we trim your nails correctly and treat thickened skin, calluses and corns, as well as ingrown or fungal nails if needed.
- Records and advice. We record and photograph the condition of your feet so we can track changes from visit to visit, and we advise you on home care and suitable footwear.
We recommend that people with diabetes visit us every 4 to 6 weeks.
When to see a doctor
If you notice a wound or ulcer on your foot, redness, swelling, discharge or darkened skin, or if you have a fever, contact your GP or diabetes clinic straight away. We do not treat changes like these with a pedicure.
Top quality
We use state-of-the-art equipment from leading manufacturers for all our treatments.
Hygiene
All instruments and accessories are sterilised to the highest standards after every use.
Customer care
We keep written and photographic records for every client.
What do our customers think?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. For people with diabetes who have difficulty walking, we also offer pedicures at home. Call +386 40 163 002. More on our Pedicure at home page.
Diabetes is a serious disease that has a profound effect on the lives of individuals and society around the world. It currently affects more than half a billion people worldwide.
Diabetes mellitus is a group of chronic metabolic disorders characterised by high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia), in which the hormone insulin plays a key role. Persistently high blood sugar can damage several organs, especially the eyes, blood vessels, nerves, heart and brain. There are several types of diabetes:
- type 1 diabetes,
- type 2 diabetes,
- gestational diabetes (during pregnancy),
- other types of diabetes.
The most serious complications of diabetes are diabetic foot, gangrene and amputation, which is most often caused by a foot ulcer. The biggest risk factors for foot ulcers and gangrene are injury, infection and nerve damage (neuropathy). Complications usually arise from several factors together. Other risk factors include poorly controlled diabetes, poor-quality footwear, a previous foot ulcer, age, excess weight, an unhealthy diet and a poorly performed pedicure.
Diabetes can cause problems with the skin and nails of the feet, as well as various deformities, such as:
- calluses,
- corns,
- Hallux valgus,
- hammer toes and claw toes,
- nail deformity,
- ingrown nails,
- fungal infections of the skin and nails,
- fat pad atrophy and more.
Prevention is key to avoiding serious foot complications. This means good awareness among patients, their families and medical staff, regular professional pedicures and suitable footwear.
- Check your feet every day, ideally after showering. If bending down is difficult or your eyesight is poor, a mirror can help, or a family member can check them for you.
- Wash your feet every day with lukewarm running water and a mild soap (keep the water below 37 °C). To avoid burns, check the water temperature with a thermometer or your elbow. If there are no wounds, you can soak your feet, but for no longer than 5 minutes and without additives such as emollients, vinegar or salt.
- Watch for changes in skin colour, corns and calluses, hard and thick skin, blisters, cuts and other injuries. Check your nails and the spaces between your toes.
- The skin is often dry, so moisturise it every day with a cream. If the spaces between your toes are damp, do not apply cream there; dry them with powder instead.
- Always protect your feet with suitable footwear that is breathable, comfortable and made of natural materials. There should be no seams you can feel inside the shoes, you need enough room for your toes and a thick sole, and the shoes should fasten with Velcro or laces. Before putting shoes on, always check inside with your hand for foreign objects. Socks should be made of natural materials (cotton and wool) and have no seams. The elastic must not be too tight, and torn socks should be replaced rather than darned, as darning leaves a hard edge.
- People with diabetes can do their own pedicure as long as their eyesight is good and they have no problems with their feet. Do not share pedicure tools with family members. Cut nails straight across and round the corners slightly. Nails should be neither too long nor too short. Do not use coarse files and do not cut the cuticles; care for them with suitable oils instead.