Diabetes Foot Care Guidelines |
- Inspect your feet daily. Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or nail problems. Use a magnifying hand glass to seem at rock bottom of your feet. Call your doctor if you notice anything.
- Bathe feet in lukewarm, never hot, water. Keep your feet clean by washing them daily. Use only lukewarm water—the temperature you'd use on a neonate .
- Be gentle when bathing your feet. Wash them employing a soft washcloth or sponge. Dry by blotting or patting and punctiliously dry between the toes.
- Moisturize your feet but not between your toes. Use a moisturizer daily to stay dry skin from itching or cracking. But don't moisturize between the toes—that could encourage a mycosis .
- Cut nails carefully. Cut them straight across and file the sides . Don’t cut nails too short, as this might cause ingrown toenails. If you've got concerns about your nails, consult your doctor.
- Never treat corns or calluses yourself. No “bathroom surgery” or medicated pads. Visit your doctor for appropriate treatment.
- Wear clean, dry socks. Change them daily.
- Consider socks made specifically for patients living with diabetes. These socks have extra cushioning, don't have elastic tops, are above the ankle and are made up of fibers that wick moisture faraway from the skin.
- Wear socks to bed. If your feet get cold in the dark , wear socks. Never use a hot pad or a predicament bottle.
- Shake out your shoes and feel the within before wearing. Remember, your feet might not be ready to feel a pebble or other foreign object, so always inspect your shoes before putting them on.
- Keep your feet warm and dry. Don’t let your feet get wet in snow or rain. Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
- Consider using an antiperspirant on the soles of your feet. this is often helpful if you've got excessive sweating of the feet.
- Never walk barefoot. Not even at home! Always wear shoes or slippers. you'll tread on something and obtain a scratch or cut.
- Take care of your diabetes. Keep your blood glucose levels in check .
- Do not smoke. Smoking restricts blood flow in your feet.
- Get periodic foot exams. Seeing your foot and ankle surgeon on a daily basis can help prevent the foot complications of diabetes.
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