Taking Care Of Your Feet / Guidelines To A Healthier You
©Dermal Therapy Research, Inc. 1999
Facts About Foot Care and Diabetes
People with diabetes can easily develop foot problems. It is important for anyone with diabetes to take good care of their feet.
Circulation
Blood carries nutrients and oxygen to your skin. Poor circulation can lead to dry skin, cracked heels, changes in nail growth, numbness and slow healing. People with diabetes may not feel heat, cold, pressure or irritation in their feet. This can cause damage to the skin of the foot without being aware. Regular exercise, walking and foot massage can stimulate circulation.
How to Take Care of Your Feet
Preventative care can help your feet from developing problems
 | Check your feet every day for blisters, cuts, bruises, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses or infection. |
| Regularly check your skin around nails and between toes |
| Wash your feet daily with a mild soap in lukewarm water |
| Avoid walking barefoot in the house or outside |
| Wear cotton or wool socks |
| Wear shoes that fit comfortable. Do not count on shoes stretching. If it feels tight, it is! |
Corns and Calluses
Feet develop corns and calluses as a way of defending themselves against pressure or friction caused by tight or poor fitting shoes. Keeping the foot skin supple with UREA-based moisturizing cream or lotion will help minimize friction.
Hard corns and calluses should never be treated with razors or sharp instruments. These methods involve a high risk of infection. Commercial preparations for the removal of corns and calluses may cause inflammation.
Professional Care for Your Feet
If corns and calluses cause discomfort or pain, visit a medical professional for safe, effective treatment.
A Podiatrist and a Chiropodist are medical professionals who specialize in the care and treatment of feet. They can suggest suitable shoes to wear if you have decreased sensation in your feet. Contact your doctor, podiatrist or chiropodist at the first sign of a problem. At your regular visits to your doctor, take your socks off while waiting to be examined. This will remind the doctor to examine your feet.
Toe Nails
A common cause of ingrown toe nails is improper cutting. Cut straight across the toenail just above the natural skin folds beside each nail. If you have an ingrown toenail, don't attempt to treat it yourself. Visit your medical professional.
How Moisturizers Work
Creams and moisturizers contain combinations of oils and moisture. They cover the skin to slow the escape of moisture. People with diabetes often have dry skin because moisture is taken from the tissue in the body's effort to reduce the blood sugar level. UREA-based creams attract moisture to the inner levels of the skin and slows the escape of moisture.
Problem
The Dermal Therapy Solution
| Cracked Dry Heels | Heel Care | 25% UREA |
| Lancet Hardened Fingertips (characteristic of frequent tester) | Finger Care | 20% UREA |
| Dry Hands, Elbows & Knees (characteristic of diabetes) |
Hand, Elbow & Knee Care | 15% UREA |
| Overall Dry Itchy Skin | Body Lotion Extra Strength |
10% UREA |
| Dry Facial Skin (Caused by cold, soap, make-up) |
Face Care | 1% UREA |
| Hot Tired Feet | Foot Massage Cream | 1% UREA |
