Diabetes and Foot Care
Diabetics are susceptible to skin problems. In fact, diabetes
can cause dehydration or dryness. It can further develop into
itchy skin and irritations. This is because elevated blood sugar
lessens the effectiveness of bacteria-fighting cells.
Skin infections include boils and carbuncles. If not properly
treated, these infections can become a serious health risk.
Yeast infections can also result. This is common in the
underarms and genital-anal area. The most common type is
candidiasis (moniliasis). This is a condition where the affected
person suffer from severe vaginal itch or a rash under the
breasts. Powders, creams and suppositories are usually
recommended to treat the same.
Diabetes also decreases blood circulation. This is especially
true in long-term diabetes thus, slowing the healing process of
wounds and cuts. This happens because nerves in the feet may not
be functioning well. At first, you may not feel the small
injuries however, if they are not treated on time, they can
become ulcerated or infected.
Observe a good feet hygiene. Wash your feet everyday with mild
soap. Let them dry. Calluses may be buffed with a pumice stone.
If your feet is dry, apply lanolin base cream however, if your
feet perspire well, talcum powder must be used. Use a lanolin
base cream to hold moisture in your skin. Keri-Lotion, Nivea
Cream, and Eucerine cream contain lanolin, the one responsible
for moisturizing the skin well. Udder cream has no added
perfume. It is inexpensive and easy to apply. Wear clean,
comfortable and good fitting socks and shoes. To avoid injuries,
you can walk in shoes or slippers around the house or swim
slippers when you are at the beach or pool.
You have to consult your podiatrist in cases when you have a
puncture wound, cut, foot injury , red spots and difficult
calluses. They may appear a simple problem however, it can
develop into a horrible malady. If you notice any change in
sensation in your feet, consult your doctor or diabetes educator
immediately.