FOOT CARE ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES

If you have diabetes, it's important to pay special attention to your feet. Diabetes can lead to nerve damage in the feet (peripheral neuropathy), which, in turn, can reduce your ability to feel sensations, like cold, heat or pain. Also, diabetes can impair circulation and wound healing by hardening and narrowing the arteries that supply blood to the legs (peripheral arterial disease, PAD).

A wound on your foot that doesn't heal can turn into an ulcer that may become infected. And if you have severe peripheral neuropathy, you may not even know it's there. Left untreated, or if treatment is unsuccessful, amputation may be required in severe cases.

What should you do? People with diabetes should follow the self-care measures described below:

·         Inspect your feet each day - Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any infected toenails, swelling, sores, cuts, bruises, blisters or red spots that do not heal after a day. Also, call your doctor if you experience tingling, numbness or pain in your feet.

·         Wear shoes and socks - Always wear footwear even when you're indoors. If you walk barefoot, it's easy to injure your feet without realizing it. Avoid wearing tight socks or garters or elastic bands to hold up socks because they can cut off circulation to your feet.

·         Wash your feet daily - Use a gentle soap and warm water. If you have nerve damage and the water is so hot it scalds your skin, you may not notice it. 

·         Treat calluses and corns gently - If recommended by your doctor, gently file calluses and corns after bathing, using an emery board or pumice stone. Do not use chemicals, razor blades or other harsh methods to remove corns or calluses. 

·         Dry your feet thoroughly after bathing - Use a nonabrasive towel to gently blot dry your skin. And don't forget to dry the spaces in between your toes.

·         Moisturize your feet - Apply a thin layer of skin cream to the top and bottom of each foot after drying your feet. Avoid putting lotion between your toes, where excess moisture can contribute to infection. 

·         Cut your toenails once a week - Cut the nails straight across without curving in at the edges. Cutting into the corners of the nails can lead to ingrown toenails.  Also, avoid cutting your nails too short. 

·         Carefully wash any cuts or blisters - For cuts, use a mild antiseptic like Bactine and cover the cut with a dry, sterile dressing and paper tape. If you develop a blister, rub an antibiotic cream on it a few times daily until it heals. Never pop a blister.

·         Avoid heat and cold - Feet can be damaged easily by cold surfaces or frostbite. Be sure to protect your feet from the cold during winter by wearing extra-warm socks and shoes or boots. Although most people never think of it, sun can be damaging to your feet as well. To avoid a sunburn if you're wearing sandals, apply sunscreen to your feet and keep them out of direct sunlight.

(Source:  John Hopkins Health Alert, Posted Diabetes on 27 June 2013)