Footcare:
Good footcare is especially important. People with diabetes are more likely to be admitted to hospital with a foot ulcer than with any other complication of diabetes. This is because diabetes may lead to poor circulation and reduced feeling in the feet.
People with diabetes should wash their feet daily using warm water and mild soap, and dried carefully. The feet should be carefully examined for changes in appearance - for example, soreness, cracks between the toes, breaks in the skin, changes in colour or swelling. Any such changes should be recorded and reported to the doctor. Toenails should be cut to follow the shape of the toe. You should wear well-fitting shoes and should change their socks or stockings each day. A non-medicated cream (such as E45) can be used for dry skin.
A state registered chiropodist or podiatrist (who will have the letters S.R.Ch after her/his name) should be seen regularly. This is particularly important for anyone who has any of the following:
- Reduced feeling in their feet
- Poor circulation (cold feet, shiny or discoloured skin, loss of hair on feet and toes)
- A foot deformity or poor skin condition
- Eyesight or physical problems which prevent good self-care
People with with diabetes should not:
- Wear garters
- Go barefoot
- Use over-the-counter corn treatments or remove hard skin
Hot water bottles and electric blankets should be used with great care.
It is important not to neglect any injury. If any new redness, swelling or discharge from the foot appears report this to your GP or Diabetes nurse.
Research has shown that people with diabetes should take good care of their feet, and protect their feet from injury, are much less likely to develop foot ulcers.
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Good foot care includes:
1. Looking carefully at your feet each day, including between the toes. If you cannot do this yourself, you should get someone else to do it for you or try using a mirror.
2. Looking is particularly important if you have reduced sensation (numbness) in your feet, as you may not notice anything wrong at first until you look.
3. If you see anything new (such as a cut, bruise, blister, redness or bleeding) and don't know what to do, see your doctor or podiatrist (chiropodist).
4.
Do not try to deal with corns, calluses, verrucas, or other foot problems by yourself. They should be treated by a health professional such as a podiatrist. In particular, do not use chemicals or special 'acid' plasters to remove corns, etc.
5. Use a moisturising oil or cream for dry skin to prevent cracking. But, do not apply it between the toes as this may cause the skin to become too moist and lead to infection. Use a non-medicated cream such as Aqueous cream.
6. Look out for athlete's foot (a common minor skin infection). It causes flaky skin and cracks between the toes which can be sore and become infected. So, if you get athletes foot, treat it with antifungal cream. You can buy antifungal cream from pharmacies, or get it on prescription.
7. Do not cut your nails 'straight across'. Cut your nails following the shape of your toe. Do not cut your nails too short. If you cannot see properly do not try to cut your nails as you may cut your skin. Get someone else to do it.
8. Wash your feet regularly, Use warm, not hot water. Before bathing or showering, test the water to make sure it is not too hot. You can use a thermometer (90° to 95° F is safe) or your elbow. Do not soak your feet, because your skin will get dry. Ensure you dry carefully, especially between the toes.
9. Do not walk barefoot, even at home. You might tread on something and damage the skin.
10. Always wear socks with shoes or other footwear. But, don't wear socks which are too tight around the ankle which may affect the circulation.
11. Shoes, slippers, trainers and other footwear should:
- Fit well to take into account any awkward shapes or deformities (such as bunions).
- Have broad fronts with plenty of room for the toes.
- Have low heels to avoid pressure on the toes and thick shock-absorbent soles.
- Have good laces, buckles or Velcro fastening to prevent movement and rubbing of feet within the shoes.
- Always feel inside footwear before you put them on (to check for stones, rough edges, etc).
- If your feet are an awkward shape, or if you have bunions or other foot problems, you may need specially fitted shoes to stop your feet rubbing.
12. Exercise helps stimulate blood flow. Choose activities which do not place undue pressure on your feet. Swimming, Cycling and walking are generally safe.