Foot care essentials
Since your feet take daily "wear and tear," it's important
to pamper them, especially if you have diabetes.
- Wash your feet daily - either in the morning or right before
bed. Use a mild soap and lukewarm, not hot, water.
- Dry your feet carefully with a soft towel giving special
attention to dry between the toes.
- Use talcum powder to keep moisture from building up. If the
skin on your feet becomes dry, use a moisturizer, but avoid
getting it between your toes.
- After washing, trim toenails straight across and keep edges
smooth with an emery board. Leave toenails slightly longer than
the tips of your toes. Don't cut into the corners of the
toenail.
- Let a foot care specialist trim your toenails if they are
thick or yellowed, or are difficult to see or reach.
- Make sure to check your feet carefully on a daily basis. You
may find it convenient to check your feet the same time as you
wash them. Be on the lookout for red spots, cuts, blisters,
bruises, sores, or other changes that you may not even feel. If
inspecting your own feet closely is difficult, try using a mirror
or asking someone to help you.
Foot care supply list:
- Nail clippers
- Pumice stone
- Emery board
- Skin lotion
- Talcum powder
- Plastic mirror
- Soft socks without seams
- Padded shoes, slippers
What to do if you have corns or calluses
Check with your healthcare provider, or foot specialist first
to find out the best way to care for your corns or calluses.
Different types of care will be recommended depending on how well
your diabetes is managed. If your feet are at low risk for
problems you may be able to work on smoothing down these
bothersome bumps. Remember these important tips:
- After bathing, smooth corns and calluses gently with a pumice
stone. Gently rub in only one direction to avoid tearing the
skin.
- Avoid cutting corns or calluses. Don't use razor
blades, corn plasters, or liquid corn and callus removers as they
can damage your skin.
Check with your doctor:
- For guidance on caring for corns or calluses.
- If a cut, sore, blister, or bruise on your foot does not
begin to heal after 1 day.
- To report any foot pain or discomfort to your doctor. Your
feet are not supposed to hurt.
