Foot Care for Diabetics
If you are a person with diabetes, then it is of particular importance that you take good care of your feet. People with diabetes will often have problems with their feet, and because they have little or no feeling in their feet, as the disease progresses, it can be difficult to tell when there is a problem. When a person with diabetes gets even a small sore or blister on their feet, it can cause a major problem. If these minor sores and blisters are not taken care of immediately, they can rapidly turn into more serious sores such as ulcers. These ulcers can become infected, and for diabetes patients, this often times will mean that the foot will have to be amputated. You do not want such a serious problem such as this, so do every thing that you can to check your feet often for problems and have them treated immediately when they occur.
If you are ready to do everything that you can in order to take good care of your feet, you will start by monitoring your blood sugar, keeping it as normal as possible. Also be certain that you wash your feet often. Be sure to use lukewarm water and a mild soap. Be careful not to use water that is too hot. Gently dry your feet with a soft towel, especially in between your toes. You may find that a gentle, patting motion will get the job done with minimum irritation to your feet. Always keep your skin smooth and healthy by applying nutrient rich lotions. You’ll find that the heels will benefit the most from this. If the skin on your feet becomes cracked for whatever reason, be sure you see a doctor first before treating it yourself.
It is also important that you keep the skin of your feet dry. This can be accomplished by dusting them regularly with non-medicated foot powders. This is best done every time you are going to put on a pair of socks or shoes. You will have to check your feet everyday for any signs of redness, swelling, numbness, or pain. Contact your doctor immediately should you find you have any of these symptoms. You may find this process of checking your feet will be much easier if done with a mirror. It is important that you contact a doctor when you have any signs of problems before you try to treat the condition on your own.
It is important that you do your best to avoid ingrown toe nails. This can be accomplished by cutting your toenails straight across. If you have trouble cutting them, you may find that it is easier if you soak your feet in warm water first. You do not want to get your feet either too hot or too cold. Make sure that you always wear the proper foot wear for the occasion so that this never happens. Just be sure that you do not go barefoot. It is very easy to cut or otherwise injure your feet when you do not have protection on them. If you follow the tips mentioned above, you will find that you will have much healthier feet.
Hot Topic: Pregnancy and Athlete’s Foot
Women who experience athlete’s foot during pregnancy may hesitate to take any types of over-the-counter of prescription medications. And while topical ointments have yet to be directly linked to adverse side effects, there are plenty of natural cures that pregnant women can use to cure athlete’s foot.
The most common treatments for athlete’s foot during pregnancy include the rubbing of calendula, thuja-30C, tea tree oil or aloe very on the affected areas. Turmeric, white and apple vinegar, and garlic have all been shown to work as anti-fungal agents, stopping the spread of the infection.
Learn more about natural remedies and athlete’s foot.
