Diabetes-Team

What Are The Potential Diabetes Effects?

According to experts, diabetes can restrict the flow of oxygen to you feet so it becomes even more difficult for you to heal wounds, boils and sores on your feet. Since diabetic neuropathy may numb your feet, you may not feel the blisters and infections on your feet until they have become irritated. At this point, your diabetes feet may already be severely infected and if you are not careful, you may end up losing your toes or your feet. To help you take care of your diabetes feet, here are some tips for you.

Check Your Feet Daily

The best way to fight off diabetes feet is to prevention. To prevent infection, check your feet at least twice daily. Check your feet after taking a bath in the morning and then check it again before you go to bed at night. Make sure that you do not have blisters and boils especially in between your toes. If you find any signs of blisters or boils on your feet, do not just ignore them. To avoid infection, wash your feet with warm water then dry them thoroughly. When drying your feet, pat them gently with a soft towel. Make sure that you dry the areas in between your toes. After drying your feet, check your feet, treat the infected area. After treating your diabetes feet, prop your feet on some pillows and rest for a while.

Is it advisable to soak your feet in warm water? Water and diabetes feet do not go well together so whatever you do; do not soak your feet. Remember that wet and soggy sores do not heal well so forget about soaking your feet. When taking a bath, raise your feet up and do not keep them under the water for more than a few minutes.

Do Not Go Barefooted

If you have diabetes feet, you should never walk barefooted. Your feet are prone to infection so forget about walking barefooted even inside your home. Make sure that you wear well padded socks and avoid wearing nylon stockings. Nylon stockings do not provide enough protection to your feet so ditch the nylon stocking and go for those thick socks that are made of soft cotton materials. Also make sure that you change your socks at least twice a day especially if you have sweaty feet. Sweaty socks are good breeding for bacteria that may cause infections so change your socks regularly.

Choose Your Shoes Properly

It is best to investment in comfortable shoes especially when you have diabetes feet. Forget about those sexy shoes and sandals that do not give your feet enough support. Those sexy shoes and sandals may look good but they can also chaff your feet and cause blisters and boils. To protect your feet, wear comfortable shoes or slippers at all times. You should also see to it that you wear comfortable socks especially when wearing leather or rubber shoes.

Keep Your Feet Clean, Soft And Callous Free

When washing your feet, use mild soap and warm water. Avoid using any soap that can dry your skin. Remember that dry skin can crack easily so do not use any harsh soap that can dry your skin. Is it alright to apply moisturizers on your feet? If you have diabetes feet, you should be extra careful when using moisturizers. Remember that moisturizers can leave your skin feeling damp and sticky so if you must use moisturizers, use it sparingly. As much as possible, avoid putting moisturizer in between your toes. Remember that damp and sticky areas are favorite breeding grounds of bacteria that can cause infection.

If you have calluses on your feet, gently file calluses with the use of a pumice stone after you take a bath. Rub the stone on the affected area gently and take care not to chaff your skin on the process.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.