Watch Out for Signs of Dry Feet from Diabetes

When you have diabetes, you must “stay on your toes” to keep your condition under control. A   significant part of diabetes management is taking good care of your feet. Complications of the feet from diabetes are the result of having too much glucose in your blood for a long time, which can damage nerves and impede blood flow. Foot complications affect more than 20 percent of people treated for diabetes.[1]

Neuropathy or nerve damage is the most common chronic complication of diabetes, with an estimated lifetime prevalence exceeding 50 percent in people with diabetes.[2]

Diabetic foot neuropathy can cause numbness so that you might not feel a foot injury, cut or even a blister that could result in a diabetic foot ulcer. 

High blood glucose can also cause peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a common condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms or legs. In PAD, the legs or arms — usually the legs — don't get enough blood flow to keep up with demand, causing leg pain when walking, called claudication, and other symptoms.

Dry feet from diabetes are serious

You may not be aware that diabetes can cause changes in the skin of your foot, too. At times your feet may become very dry. This problem is caused by nerve damage that affects your body’s ability to properly control the oil and moisture in your foot. This condition is known as diabetes dry feet.  In addition, poor circulation can reduce the skin's ability to repair itself, intensifying dryness. 

Dry skin on the feet can lead to cracking, creating an entry point for bacteria and increasing the risk of infections. In severe cases, untreated dry skin can contribute to the development of diabetic foot ulcers, which is a serious complication that can lead to amputation if not properly managed. 

Left untreated due to diminished sensation, a diabetic foot ulcer can get worse over weeks or months without someone knowing because they do not feel the pain. In the initial stages, a diabetic foot ulcer can be treated successfully, increasing the chance of a full recovery.

However, in advanced stages, the risk of complications increases. Diabetic foot ulcers account for more [hospital} admissions than any other complication of diabetes. [3]

Symptoms of diabetic dry feet include: [4]

• Noticeably dry, rough, or flaky skin on the feet
• Cracked heels or fissures
• Redness or irritation due to excessive dryness
• Itching or discomfort 

To keep feet from getting dry and cracked, consider products such as EASE-Z Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Foot Cream. It is an over the counter (OTC) offering that uniquely features active Zinc Acetate to relieve and protect dry, cracked skin associated with diabetes. EASE-Z Diabetics’ Dry Skin Therapy Foot Cream covers feet with a thick protective layer that penetrates to provide real, long lasting-relief.  It is unscented and non-greasy for added comfort. Daily use gives superior recovery and continuous relief, assuring long-lasting comfort.

Comfortable, breathable footwear helps prevent dry skin

Diabetic footwear is structurally designed to prevent pressure on the feet. A wider toe width or “toe box” gives toes more room to move to help prevent blisters and hot spots on diabetic feet that can develop when toes rub against each other or against the shoe.  Diabetic shoes also may have extra depth for a pressure-free fit.

Shoes for diabetic feet have lightweight, cushioning soles to facilitate mobility and stability and reduce impacts on the feet. [5] They also help restrict air flow inside, which helps prevent moisture that can cause bacteria to form in your feet. [6]

Also consider diabetic socks if you have diabetic foot problems or note a change in the color or temperature or your feet, nerve damage, fungal infections, or irritation. Diabetic socks are designed to keep feet dry, reduce foot injuries and aid circulation.  They feature:[7]

·         Moisture wicking material, which allows sweat to evaporate.

·         No seams along the toe to reduce the risk of rubbing and blisters.

·         Non-elastic binding so they do not restrict blood flow.

Follow other diabetes and feet care guidelines

Wash your feet every day: Use lukewarm water and mild soap to wash feet. Do not soak your feet. Dry your feet completely and apply lotion to the top and bottom but not in between toes. Applying lotion to the moist area could lead to infection. 

Never go barefoot: Always wear shoes and socks or slippers, even inside, to avoid injury. Break in new shoes slowly until they are completely comfortable, wearing them maybe an hour or two a day.

Cut your toenails straight across: Gently smooth any sharp edges with a nail file. Curved nails could become ingrown. Have your podiatrist trim your toenails if you cannot see or reach your feet.

Do not remove corn or calluses yourself: Do not use over-the-counter products to remove them since they could burn your skin. Gently use a pumice stone to remove corns and calluses after shower or bath when you skin is soft.

Keep the blood flowing: Exercise to stimulate blood flow in legs and feet. Also, put your feet up when you are sitting, and wiggle your toes for a few minutes several times throughout the day

When to see your doctor about diabetic foot problems

Visit your foot doctor every year for a complete exam. If you have any of the following problems, see your doctor right away:

·         Dry or cracked skin

·         Tingling, burning or pain

·         Loss of feeling

·         Redness, increased warmth or swelling

·         Fungal infections

·         Sores, blisters, wounds

Avoid the problems associated with diabetes and feet to always put your “best foot forward.”