There are certain habits that diabetics with foot infections get used to in order to ensure proper health. Surprisingly, diabetic foot care is somewhat similar to regular foot care with a dew tweaks. All of the supplies you use should be beneficial to the diabetic foot specifically. For example, using diabetic foot cream will prove to be more beneficial than regular foot cream and so on. For good foot health, a pedicure should be achieved with the following items: diabetic foot cream, anti-fungal cream, fungal nail cures, diabetic socks, and a pumice stone.
By Jaye Marno
Do you have a diabetic foot care kit? Diabetics often have serious problems with their feet. This is partially because you can lose sensation in the nerves around this area (diabetic foot neuropathy). You may be unaware of blisters, cracks and wounds that develop. If unattended, small wounds like these can exacerbate into severe complications such as gangrenes and ulcers. Needless to say, you should keep a kit of diabetic foot care products specially designed to help prevent any of these complications.
Diabetic foot cream – Healthy and soft skin resists infection in your feet. Dry skin, on the other hand, leads to cracks that make your feet more vulnerable to infection. A good diabetic cream may help moisturize areas that are especially dry. A word of caution when using these creams: avoid putting cream or oil between your toes. This often leads to infection and complications.
Sometimes an anti-fungal foot cream is called for to fend off fungi and bacteria. It can help relieve symptoms like itching and burning, while fortifying your skin with moisture to protect your feet against microorganisms.
Pumice stone – This may come in handy for treating excessive formations of calluses. Never use sharp implements such as a knife or razor blade to trim calluses, blisters or sores. A pumice stone used carefully and gently can remove layers of hardened skin. For better results, use your pumice stone in combination with moisturizing soap or cream to help hydrate the tissues of hardened areas.
Fungal nail treatments – People with diabetes are at risk of contracting nail fungus or onychomycosis, a condition characterized by discolored, disfigured, thickened and split toenails and fingernails. There are various treatments for onychomycosis including topical anti-fungals and oral medications. For more severe cases, surgery may be needed.
You may want to include a magnifying glass and a mirror to examine your feet. Carefully examine your feet nightly for cuts, bruises or other signs of injury. Any injuries that do not heal quickly require immediate medical attention. Do not put off what can quickly become a very serious health issue.
Though not part of your actual kit, good diabetic foot care includes the right socks and shoes. Going barefoot is not a good idea. You don’t need added risk of injuries or wounds to your poor diabetic feet.
Diabetic socks – These look pretty much like regular socks. These socks have several characteristics, however, that separate them from generic socks. Diabetic socks prevent moisture and build-up of microorganisms that cause infections. They are made from materials such as nylon, acrylic, cotton and elastic fibers that provide ample cushioning while keeping your feet cool and dry. Diabetic socks have non-binding tops that also help improve blood circulation in your feet.
Diabetic socks are made with comfort and protection in mind. Design is secondary. Though manufacturers do make colored diabetic socks, white socks (not related to any baseball team) are highly recommended by podiatrists and foot doctors. It is easier to detect draining that can cause discoloration with lighter-colored socks.
Your socks should fit snugly, but comfortably. The material should not produce any uncomfortable sensations. For more serious cases of foot deformities, patients are advised to wear wider-sized socks.
Good-fitting shoes – Many online as well as local vendors sell specially fitted shoes for diabetics. A good pair of shoes for a diabetic has a high and wide toebox and removable insoles that can accommodate orthotics. A proper shoe puts less pressure in areas that commonly cause foot problems such as calluses, blisters and wounds. Again, design and style are secondary. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and give good support to your feet.
Use your diabetic foot care kit regularly and always wear proper socks and shoes. Your feet will thank you.
To learn more about treating diabetes and controlling your blood sugar click on the link below.
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