The right foot cares for diabetes

People with diabetes should carefully take care for their feet every day. Here you can read step by step what is important. Out of sight, out of mind? One might think so. Some people with diabetes are not even aware that they have an increased risk of foot problems. And by no means has everyone taken care of their feet every day. Those who take care of their feet do not always do so carefully - the gentle approach to foot care is obviously not everyone's cup of tea. Such rough treatment can lead to injuries. And they often heal poorly, especially with diabetes. That's why it's better to stick to the motto "Gently but carefully" when it comes to foot care. We will show you how to do it step by step.

1. Check: Observe feet

Check your feet daily, preferably in the evening before the footbath, for injuries or other abnormalities. Do not forget the spaces between your toes. If you are less mobile, use a hand mirror or ask relatives for help. This is also important if your vision is poor. Show the doctor any abnormalities such as pressure points, injuries or severe calluses. They can also be an indication of unsuitable shoes. Remember to check your shoes for foreign objects such as small stones before you put them on. This will help prevent injuries. Under no circumstances: Treat injuries to the feet on your own.

2. Washing: Short and not too hot

Wash your feet daily with a mild, moisturizing washing lotion, which preferably also contains moisture-binding urea, or with baby soap. Conventional soap dries the skin too much. Because of the risk of injury, do not scrub your feet with a massage brush or glove, but use a soft washcloth for cleaning. Foot baths should last no longer than three minutes, otherwise the skin will soften and germs can penetrate more easily. The water should not be warmer tha 35 degrees Celsius. Check the temperature with a bath thermometer. After many years of diabetes, the temperature sensation on the feet is often disturbed. Never: Bathe feet too hot. Otherwise you risk burns, especially if the nerves are damaged by the diabetes and you no longer feel heat or cold properly.

3. Drying: dabbing instead of rubbing

After washing, dab your feet carefully with a soft towel (do not rub!). Between the toes it works best with a cosmetic tissue. It also absorbs the last remaining moisture and makes it harder for athlete's foot to settle down. Better not: Dry your feet with a hairdryer. On the one hand you can burn your skin, on the other hand it dries out.

4. Remove cornea: softer is easier

It is best to remove calluses once a week during or after the footbath or under running water in the shower. Softened calluses are easier to rub away. A pumice stone is well suited for this. Only a podiatrist should remove calloused calluses, corns or warts. Because of the risk of injury, metal corneal files, corneal planes, rasp and scissors are taboo.

5. Files: Round nails grow in more easily

Shorten the toenails once or twice a week with a nail file, but only so far that they finish with the tip of the toes. Use the file to smooth even sharp edges so that they do not press into the neighboring toes. Do not file the nails round; otherwise they will grow in easily. If filing is laborious, for example because the nails grow quickly, have them cut by a podiatrist. Do not use nail scissors, pliers or clippers. You could injure yourself with them.

6. Creams: Products with urea

After drying, care for your feet with cream, lotion or cream foam. Many products contain urea, which moisturizes the skin and prevents excessive horrification. Ask your pharmacist or podiatrist which product is best for you. It is better not to: cream the spaces between your toes, as the humid climate favors infections. If in doubt, ask your doctor!

7. Athlete’s foot: Caution with diabetes

Typical symptoms of athlete's foot are itching, scaling, redness and sometimes blisters. Good measures to prevent athlete's foot: Do not walk barefoot where others might do it (swimming pool, hotel carpet...), use your own towels and bathing shoes, always wear socks, especially in sports shoes, wash socks and towels at least 60 degrees, change daily. You should use diabetic socks, Are Diabetic Socks worth It? Yes Diabetic Socks protect your feet. Diabetic socks are socks that are especially suitable for diabetics or people with sensitive feet. To prevent pressure points, they are knitted without elastic and seamless. So there is no cutting into the cuffs. In diabetics, the feet and legs are body regions that are very sensitive and therefore require special attention. Often it is the circulatory disorders in the body regions far from the heart that cause difficulties. It is particularly important for people with diabetes that they wear socks with cuffs that do not hinder blood flow. Socks for diabetics are therefore always made without an incisive elastic band. There is Diabetic Socks Club you can buy it from there and protect your feet. It is best to use your own towel for your feet. In case of suspicion of athlete's foot go to the doctor early. Sometimes it is sufficient to treat affected skin areas with special anti-fungal creams, sprays or lotions from the pharmacy. It is important to stick to the duration of use recommended by the doctor. If the athlete's foot has spread strongly, tablets may be necessary.