For people with diabetes, the smallest blister, bug bite or foot sore could lead to a difficult-to-heal foot infection, a skin ulcer and even the possibility of amputation.
The causes: Nerve damage due to peripheral diabetic neuropathy that can rob you of protective skin sensations plus circulation problems and high blood sugar that can interfere with rapid healing.
That is why diabetes experts recommend that everyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes protect their feet with daily foot checks, smart choices in socks and shoes, and comprehensive foot exams by a healthcare practitioner at least once a year.
An Easy Plan To Help Protect Your Feet
- Do a Daily Foot Check. Sit down, take off your shoes and socks and check the top, bottom and all parts of the toes of both feet every day. Use a mirror or ask your spouse or partner to help if you have trouble seeing all areas of your feet.
- Check for:
- Blisters, cuts, sores, ingrown toenails or places where the skin has been rubbed by your shoes
- Change in temperature (do your feet feel hot or cold) or color (are your feet a normal color, or do they look pale, or red or blue?)
- Pain, swelling or any signs of infection
- Dry cracking skin
- Rashes or athletes foot
- Corns and calluses
Take Care of Feet and Toe Nails. Wash your feet in Luke-warm water—don’t use hot water, which could burn your skin. Check water temperature with your hand or forearm. Dry gently, including between your toes, with a soft towel. Rub moisturizer on the top and bottom of your feet; find a brand that works for you to keep feet from drying and cracking. (Don’t use lotion between toes, this can raise risk for athlete’s foot infections.) If you can reach your toes and see them clearly, trim your toenails straight across, then file edges slightly with an emery board. Don’t round the corners, this can raise risk for ingrown toenails.
Choose foot-friendly socks. Look for socks without seams (these can rub and cause skin breaks) and that isn’t tight. Change your socks once a day, more often if your feet get sweaty. Toss socks with holes in them.
Your doctor or a foot-care specialist can trim your toenails as well as corns and calluses for you. Skin Image Clinic Faridabad provides consultancy and treatment related to Diabetic foot problems. You may visit and consult for better care. It is important to visit your health practitioner at least once a Month to have your feet checked. If you notice any problems, call your doctor right away.
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