Why is foot care especially important for diabetics?
Diabetic skin needs extra attention in order to avoid complications
Why and how to care for your feet
If you have diabetes, there are three reasons why you should pay attention to your feet.
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First, diabetes can affect blood circulation. This means that some patients with diabetes suffer decreased blood circulation in their feet, which can also affect the skin.
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Second, the nerves in the foot may also be affected by diabetes. Without full sensation, patients run the risk of damaging their feet from ill-fitting shoes or walking over a small object while barefoot. Loss of nerve control in the lower limb and foot also means that the ability to sweat is limited, and this can lead to dry feet.
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Third, diabetes is associated with an increased risk of acquiring infection and can at the same time compromise the immune system’s ability to fight disease. This is especially the case when blood sugar levels are high. If left untreated, diabetics can possibly experience a foot infection that can spread and lead to serious complications.
Find a cream you enjoy
Another important point about foot cream is that it should be one you will enjoy using. If you
are not happy with the cream you have, you will never use it no matter how good it is. This
generally means it should be easy to apply and should deliver visible results. In addition,
a foot cream for diabetics needs to meet certain requirements. For example, the skin
compatibility needs to be proven in dermatological studies – as is the case with Hansaplast
products. Moreover, the Hansaplast creams have a pleasant scent, which is an advantage
over most other creams available for diabetics.
Recommendations for care
It is important for patients with diabetes to remember that their feet need special care. Checking their feet should be a natural part of their daily routine. This can be achieved by making a habit out of examining their feet each morning after the shower or right before going to bed. They should also consider the following recommendations.
To learn more about the research we recently conducted on common foot problems and how to address them, read our article Researching real life answers.
Regular, intensive care for long-term results
Using the right products on a regular basis will help maintain and improve the condition of your foot skin. The Anti Callus range offers care solutions suitable for diabetics looking to reduce callus. For example, the Anti Callus Intensive Cream with 20% UREA and the Anti Callus 2in1 Peeling are care solutions that can be used to treat your calloused skin while showering, taking a bath or giving just your feet a footbath. They reduce the dry skin on your feet – and at the same time moisturize your skin. These products provide diabetics with safe ways of reducing the callus on their feet. However, for best results that last long-term, regular care is important.
Look after your feet every day
A short footbath every day of only five minutes with a mild soap and lukewarm water between 30-35°C is recommended for diabetics. It is also important to check the water temperature each time with a thermometer, as it may be difficult for someone who is diabetic to judge the temperature with their foot as they may suffer from loss of sensation. If your foot is injured, you can forego the bath. When you do bathe, be sure to fully dry your feet, as the water hiding in the creases of your foot can cause fungal infections.
Keep your toenails groomed and smooth
Diabetics should regularly file their toenails as opposed to using nail clippers. The shape of the nail should furthermore mirror the cuticle’s natural curve. After trimming the nails, the cuticles should be gently pushed back with a wooden pedicure stick. A good time to do this is right after showering because that’s when the cuticles are soft. For more information on how to give yourself a professional pedicure at home, read Hansaplast Pedicure Tips.
Consult a doctor
If you have diabetes, it is important for you to attend your regular appointments. As soon as you notice any changes in the skin on your feet, you should speak to a healthcare professional. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or need advice on choosing the right foot cream, you should consult a doctor regarding which products are right for you in order to keep the skin intact, well moisturized and to prevent possible infection.
For further information regarding Hansaplast products, please contact us via email on phc@beiersdorf.com. Please note that none of the above tips or recommendations substitute medical advice. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our product packages. Consult a health professional if our tips don‘t help or if you have or suspect a medical condition.
For further information, please contact us via email at Hansaplast@Beiersdorf.com