Diabetic Pedicures....once again...... So while surfing the internet yesterday I came across several articles for diabetics regarding how to proceed with getting pedicure services. Most of the information was pretty accurate. HOWEVER........many of the articles recommended that diabetics take in their own implements. STOP!!!! First of all, if you do not trust the sanitation of a salon in the first place why would you even consider going there - with or without your own implements???? Second....Now, I am in no way comparing a pedicure service to that of what you get in a physicians offices but still.....would you take your own surgical implements to your doctor? No, you wouldnt. He wouldnt even thing about using implements you take to him on you either. Its a liability. And a HUGE risk on your part. Its the same thing with nail techs. I will NOT ever use implements that a client brings to me from home. I have no idea where theyve been, who has used them.....they may not work properly.....maybe they werent sanitized and disinfected.....I have no way of knowing anything about them. Its a liability for me. So what is my solution? 1. Choose your pedicurist wisely. Verify how many years shes been licensed and practicing the art of manicuring and pedicuring (many techs will inflate their years of experience). Ask for referrals. Ask questions about sanitation practices. LOOK AT THE SALON GRADE!!! Watch the services that are being performed......are the techs using NEW and CLEAN implements and files? 2. ALL of my Diabetic clients receive their very own personal implement kit that is used ONLY on them for each visit. After use, I sanitize and disinfect them and dry them and place them in a clean, closed container that is labeled with that clients name and contact info. These are all stored in clean dry cabinets. 3. Use of a Footsie Bath with disposable liners or a regular basin that has no jets, no drains, etc for bacteria to hide in. With the liners, each client uses a fresh new never before used liner. With the basin, it is sanitized and disinfected after each use. No beasties left to lurk about in drains, jets, etc. 4. I know where my scope of practice ends and the doctors begins and I am not afraid to refuse a service and/or refer to a physician. I err on the side of caution and will not take chances with my clients. The physicians in the area that I network with appreciate this. Have there been false alarms? Sure. But weve also caught medical conditions in time for a doctor to properly diagnose and treat before it became a serious condition. Why take a chance. youll only ever have 2 feet in your lifetime. 5. I network with local physicians. This means that I have medical professionals that I can call on if I am ever in doubt of anything or have questions about anything. I also have a network of medical professionals that I can refer a client to in the event an issue arises or I see something that looks suspicious while performing my services in the salon. Dont take chances with your feet!!! Dont just take the techs word that she understands and knows how to provide you with a safe diabetic pedicure. Follow up.....check her out.....ask your doc. Many techs say they can provide these safe services for diabetics but really dont know and understand any of the implications and complications that can arise from something so simple as providing a pedicure to someone who is diabetic (or even someone who has a compromised immune system for other medical reasons). Have a question? Give me a call at 919-550-5390 (leave a message as I do not answer the phones if I am with a client).
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 12:08:20 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015