Diabetic Pedicure Guide

 

If you or someone you love has diabetes, you probably know the importance of foot care, yet for some it is hard or impossible to care for their own feet. There are also several questions surrounding the how-to and how-often. I have done personal research and taken input and advice from multiple sources to come up with this all-in-one DIY Diabetic Pedicure Guide, so that I could better care for a family member. In addition, my recipes for ‘Pedi-Soak’ and ‘Pedi-Scrub’ at the end would be good for anyone, with or without diabetes. Enjoy.

 

 

SUPPLIES NEEDED:  Hot water ~ Plastic foot tub or similar container ~ Mild soap ~ Small scrub brush ~ Pumice stone ~ Nail clippers ~ Glass file/Emory board ~ Towels/Cloths ~ Pedi-Scrub (optional) ~ Pedi-Soak ~ Moisturizer ~ Nail polish ~ Gloves

 

((I also have a contour toe file and a 7-way buffer – these are optional and the tools used will need to be at the diabetic’s discretion ..

You may also need a stool or small chair to make the diabetic more comfortable while resting their feet outside the tub such as when you file/paint nails.))

Pictured below: Pedi-Soak (left) and Sweet Oat Pedi-Scrub (right) *recipes at end of article*

FOOT SOAKING PRECAUTIONS FOR DIABETICS: 
Some sources say to avoid soaking altogether, and give tips on daily foot washing; while that is a good habit to get into, it may be difficult for some. In addition, a pedicure is easier and safer with a wet/soaked foot. It is ultimately up to you, but here are some soaking tips: Before soaking, ensure there are no wounds or dry skin problems, that the water is not too hot, and that you use a good moisturizer after soaking. Soak for shorter amounts of time than you would if you were getting a pedicure at a salon, approximately 10 minutes of soak time per foot. Avoid soaking feet more than 1-2 times within a thirty day period, if possible.

PEDICURE PRECAUTIONS FOR DIABETICS: 
Since shaving can irritate the legs and increase risk of infection, it is best for the diabetic to avoid shaving 2-3 days before having a pedicure. If the diabetic does not have their own pedicure tools, get some for them. Disinfect tools before and after each use and do not allow anyone else to use these supplies (including nail polish/topcoat.)

 

 

 

Set diabetic up comfortably with pants rolled up if needed. Have the foot bath ready and setting on towel to catch drips and splashes. Have other towels nearby.

Examine each foot before placing them in soak, look for cracks/wounds. Touch and feel to see if there are any tender areas you need to avoid. Ask diabetic if they have any new problem areas you are not aware of.

Place both feet in foot bath. Adjust temperature if need be. Let them soak for 5 minutes. After soaking, soap the feet, gently rubbing them all over with washcloth, place in water to rinse. After cleaning them, repeat with some foot scrub (or you can skip this step if you have no scrub.) If using scrub, rub the ankle/calf, the ingredients in the scrub should soothe any epidermal discomfort and encourage healing of any otherwise not so healthy areas of the leg.

 

Leave one foot soaking, and remove first foot. (This is where a stool may come in handy.) Using scrub brush, remove loose skin. Brush under the toenails if able. Rinse, lift out again and repeat using pumice stone. Use pumice gently where there are callous build ups, focusing on the heel and ball of big toe. If necessary, dip foot in water to help keep it hydrated or to rinse. Then use contour toe file, if you have one.

File the toenails, clip if needed/able but be careful not to cut the diabetic due to risk of infection. You may want to avoid clipping, this is up to you/your diabetic. Use an emery board or glass file (I got my aunt a glass file - they are not as abrasive on the skin should you rub it a bit while filing) to shape the nails and smooth them. Rinse and pat dry clean foot. Rub lotion on the foot, gently massaging foot, ankle and calf with lotion. Wrap foot in a dry towel.

Repeat with second foot. Dry and moisturize the feet. Paint nails!

 

C’s Sweet Oat Pedi-Scrub (multiple uses)

Removes dead skin, sweet aroma, softens & moisturizes, antifungal, promotes healing.*

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup OATS

¼ cup CORNMEAL

5 tablespoons XYLITOL (a natural sweetener made from birch or corn)

¾-1 cup WHIPPED COCONUT OIL (can substitute shea butter/any lotion you have if needed)

5 drops CLOVE oil, 4 drops CINNAMON oil, 3 drops ORANGE oil

5 drops vitamin E oil (optional)
 

TO MAKE: Mix dry ingredients with wooden spoon, whip your coconut oil (it will need to be mostly solid in order to do this) whip with electric whisk for 7-10 minutes, mix the paste with the lotion and add your oils, store in air tight jar in cool dry place. (Coconut oil will melt if room temperature exceeds 76 degrees, so you may want to keep in fridge.) If you are not making your own moisturizer using coconut oil, add small amount of water or carrier oil (like coconut oil or olive oil) to the dry ingredients to make a paste, and just use the paste on feet first, rinse/dry, then use your lotion. The E oil is optional here because Vitamin E is present in coconut oil, but if you want an E boost, add some.

 

C’s Pedi-Soak (1 time use)

Cleanses feet, can have relaxing or invigorating scent, antifungal, promotes healing.*

INGREDIENTS:

¼ cup BAKING SODA

1 cup EPSOM SALT

Try these oil combinations, using 3-4 drops per oil: PEPPERMINT/LIME … LEMON/CLOVE … LAVENDER/TEA TREE … EUCALYPTUS/ORANGE … any you like really based on your desired aroma and oil properties.

TO MAKE: Mix dry ingredients with wooden spoon, add oils while mixing, if you make more than this for future use, store in air tight jar.

Click here to read more about essential oils and their potential benefits.

 

GIFT IDEA: Get the pedicure tools, make the body care products, roll up a towel or two and put it all in the foot tub and gift it to a diabetic (or anyone) to give them a thoughtful, helpful present! (Think you’ll like an inflatable foot tub? I got my aunt Dr. Teal’s foot tub and we like it.)

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Information/products found here are not intended to treat or cure any disease. The ingredients used have commonly known benefits agreed upon by many healthcare professionals, some dating back thousands of years; yet everyone is different and should make their own informed decisions about what they use on their skin before using any product.