The Foot Forward Summit was conceived by Nails Magazine, an American magazine that has more than 30 years of experience in the sector. Informing licensed nail technicians and salon owners with the latest news on a wide variety of topics, including Technical, Business, Style and Health stories.
Foot Forward 2018 was the first event dedicated only to the feet, to develop the services currently provided and to improve existing knowledge. The training meeting aims to connect nail professionals interested in learning advanced techniques and care with foot services in general and with special attention to the growing number of elderly and diabetic clients.
Physicians, product manufacturers and nail technicians who work directly with customers and patients were present.
Podosafe was present at the Foot Forward Summit 2018 - USA
Foot Forward Summit 2018 was Nails Magazine's first event dedicated exclusively to foot care. The meeting took place last August in Atlanta – Georgia, with the participation of professionals from all over the country.
PodoSafe was invited to participate in the event because the Podosafe product, an emollient for corns and calluses that acts in a smooth and healthy way, can ensure better services, eliminating the use of water.
Podosafe eliminates calluses without the use of sharp piercing materials, does not cause burning or irritation to the skin, making the services effective and relaxing.
In this article, we are going to share with Brazilians the knowledge acquired at this meeting in Atlanta, United States and the tips of a Podiatrician in foot care.
The event focuses on raising awareness of foot care
One of the main themes of the event was the proper care for the patient's foot with diabetes and the symptoms of the diabetic foot.
This is a subject that has been drawing more and more attention from professionals, as the treatment of diabetic feet begins with diagnosis, awareness and prevention.
And the importance of the union of Nail Techniques with Podiatrists in the treatment of patients. Everyone benefits from this union. See Nina Down Patton's testimonial below.
One of the lectures that attracted the most attention was the seminar given by Dr. Bruce Pichler of the Dahlonega Foot and Ankle Clinic.
Tips from a Podiatrician for Nail Techniques
In this talk, the doctor talked about various foot problems that nail techniques can detect.
Pichler explained some important topics when it comes to identifying symptoms and noticing when a more serious condition may occur.
One of the data presented by the physician was that topical antibiotics, such as NEBACETIN (Neosporin in the United States), can mask the picture of infection in the toenails in general. The doctor presented a case in which the infection reached the bone, leading to the amputation of a young man's toe.
The advice given to professionals by Pichler, when realizing a case like this, was to recommend a foot bath with a solution that can help contain the infection until the consultation and the start of treatment with the doctor.
According to Pichler, a foot bath prepared with 2 glasses of Salt Bitter, 4 liters of water and half a glass of vinegar, made once a day, can contain the infection in an emergency, until the date of medical or podiatry consultation.
Pay attention to your nails!
Another important data presented by the physician is related to the color of the nail and the care that should be taken with this symptom.
According to Pichler, a nail discoloration does not always mean fungus. The diagnosis of fungus must be carried out through laboratory culture examination and the collection of the material must be done by a professional.
Pichler warns that it is important that nail techniques and other professionals who treat the foot in an aesthetic way, pay attention to some details.
The doctor believes that these professionals can save their clients' lives if they can detect, for example, skin cancer and other conditions at an early stage.
Nina Down Patton Testimony - Professionals must work together for better foot care
Nina Down Patton, owner of Saiph Pro salon, spoke to attendees about the importance of working with a Podiatrist. The businesswoman demonstrated how this can benefit patients and businesses and shared some of her experience.
According to the nail technician, the time she worked with the Podiatrist, the benefit was for the patients, the doctor and for herself. Picheler also addressed the importance of the union between the Podiatrist, the nail technician and the patient.
- The Podiatrist guided nail techniques to recognize changes that could cause risks to the patient, identifying the problem at an early stage, increasing treatment success. Professionals who offer pedicure services see the soles of their clients' feet much more often than they do, and can help to observe these changes to existing spots and warn, as it may be a skin cancer.
They were taught to observe the A, B, C, D and E: Asymmetry, Edge, Color, Diameter and Evolution of spots on the soles of the feet. Sudden changes in color, texture, or other details that may indicate an urgency to seek expert help.
- The patient with diabetes needs special care due to the condition itself. They may have problems with mobility, sensitivity and vision, which makes it difficult to detect changes in the feet. Nail techniques, as it is called in the US, can observe the changes and alert the patient to see their doctor or Podiatrician.
Everyone benefits when they work together. This is a trend in the USA and in some American medical clinics it is already a successful reality.
Want to know more about diabetic feet, read the article: Diabetic foot, understand what they are and how the diagnosis is made
