The natural skin barrier in diabetics is often weakened (see further blog article on this topic), and this naturally also applies to the feet. Injuries and infections often heal more slowly in those affected, which is why special care must be taken when caring for the feet.
The right foot care for diabetes mellitus
If we are dealing with sensitive skin in people with diabetes mellitus, those affected can take very good precautionary measures. These include regular foot checks. Furthermore, the feet should not be washed too hot and should be gently dried, even between the toes. Calluses should only be gently removed with a pumice stone, nails should always be filed straight, never cut (risk of injury!). Ideally, this should be done regularly by a podiatrist or you should ask an expert.
Why are these steps so important?
Diabetes in particular can damage nerves and thus reduce sensitivity to pain, meaning that those affected simply notice injuries or burns far too late. Pressure points and calluses in shoes or injuries to the feet are not felt in time. In the case of nerve damage caused by diabetes, this is aggravated by the fact that sweat glands are often impaired. If the feet do not sweat, overheating can occur and the skin dries out and becomes cracked. This also leads to a susceptibility to injuries or fungal infections – the reduced natural immune defense is to blame.
Fungal nail infections are often a precursor
“Fungal nail infections often pave the way for dangerous secondary bacterial infections, as fungi can penetrate the skin more easily than bacteria. Once the skin is damaged, bacteria also have an easy time of it. A fungal nail infection can trigger a whole wave of infections,” says podiatrist and expert Anke Niederau. A nail fungus infection poses a particular risk for diabetics if they have what is known as diabetic foot syndrome. A distinction is made here between diabetic damage to the nerves (polyneuropathy) of the foot, which can lead to painless pressure sores, and damage to the blood vessels of the foot, which can lead to circulatory disorders and delayed wound healing and even the death of tissue parts (necrosis). In many cases, diabetic nerve damage, circulatory disorders and infections are present at the same time.
Foot problems are very common in diabetics
This is why it is so important to recognize typical diabetic emergency situations quickly during treatment and to react appropriately. If you have any questions about this, podiatrist Anke Niederau will be happy to help you, simply send an email to: info@ocean-pharma.de
So what can be done to strengthen the skin’s functions? In addition to the steps already mentioned, feet and lower legs can be creamed with moisturizing and moisture-binding care (including ingredients such as urea and glycerine). In the case of a fungal infection, microalgae active ingredients support the natural defense against viruses and fungi. A healthy and proper diet can also provide natural support for diabetes, including fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, pulses, wholegrain products, rice, pasta and low-fat dairy products. And last but not least, the right shoes and socks are essential, i.e. breathable and natural materials and a comfortable shoe are ideal.
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