What are the main foot complications associated with diabetes. How does neuropathy affect diabetic feet. Why are diabetics more prone to skin changes and calluses on their feet. How can poor circulation impact foot health in diabetics. What are the risks of foot ulcers for people with diabetes. When might amputation be necessary for diabetic foot complications.

Understanding Neuropathy in Diabetic Feet

Neuropathy is a common and serious complication of diabetes that affects the feet. This condition involves damage to the nerves, which can have significant consequences for foot health and sensation.

How does neuropathy impact diabetic feet?

• Reduced sensation: Diabetic nerve damage can diminish the ability to feel pain, heat, and cold in the feet.
• Increased risk of injury: Due to decreased sensation, individuals may not notice foot injuries, leading to potential complications.
• Changes in foot shape: Neuropathy can cause alterations in the structure of feet and toes, potentially affecting how shoes fit.

Can neuropathy lead to unnoticed foot injuries? Indeed, the loss of sensation associated with neuropathy means that a person with diabetes might not feel a tack or stone in their shoe, or notice a blister forming. This lack of awareness can result in prolonged exposure to harmful stimuli, increasing the risk of skin breakdown and infection.

Proper Footwear for Neuropathic Feet

Selecting appropriate footwear is crucial for individuals with diabetic neuropathy. If regular shoes don’t fit comfortably due to changes in foot shape, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider about special therapeutic shoes or inserts. These custom-made options can help prevent further damage and accommodate the unique needs of neuropathic feet.

Skin Changes and Diabetic Feet: A Closer Look

Diabetes can significantly impact the skin of the feet, leading to various complications that require careful management.

How does diabetes affect foot skin?

• Dryness: The skin may become excessively dry, leading to peeling and cracking.
• Altered moisture control: Nerve damage can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate oil and moisture in the feet.
• Increased vulnerability: Dry, cracked skin is more susceptible to infections and other complications.

To address these skin changes, it’s important to implement a proper foot care routine. After bathing, thoroughly dry the feet and apply a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly or unscented hand cream to seal in moisture. However, avoid applying oils or creams between the toes, as excess moisture in these areas can promote infection.

The Importance of Proper Hydration

While keeping diabetic feet moisturized is crucial, it’s equally important to avoid overhydration. Soaking the feet can paradoxically lead to dry skin, so it’s best to avoid this practice. Instead, focus on gentle cleansing and targeted moisturizing to maintain optimal skin health.

Managing Calluses in Diabetic Feet

Calluses are a common concern for individuals with diabetes, often developing more quickly and extensively than in those without the condition.

Why do calluses form more readily on diabetic feet? The primary reason is the presence of high-pressure areas under the foot, which are more pronounced in people with diabetes due to changes in foot structure and sensation. These areas of increased pressure stimulate the skin to produce thicker, protective layers, resulting in callus formation.

The Dangers of Untreated Calluses

If left untrimmed, calluses can become excessively thick, potentially breaking down and developing into ulcers or open sores. This progression poses a significant risk for infection and further complications.

How should diabetics manage foot calluses?

• Professional care: Always have calluses trimmed by a healthcare professional on your diabetes care team.
• Avoid self-treatment: Never attempt to cut calluses or corns yourself, as this can lead to ulcers and infections.
• Say no to chemical agents: Do not use chemical products to remove calluses, as these can burn the skin.
• Daily maintenance: Use a pumice stone on wet skin daily to help control callus growth, followed by the application of lotion.

The Impact of Poor Circulation on Diabetic Feet

Poor circulation, or reduced blood flow, is a significant concern for individuals with diabetes, particularly affecting the feet and legs.

How does poor circulation affect foot health in diabetics?

• Reduced healing capacity: Limited blood flow can impair the foot’s ability to heal from injuries or infections.
• Increased vulnerability: Poor circulation makes the foot less capable of fighting off infections.
• Structural changes: Diabetes can cause blood vessels in the foot and leg to narrow and harden, further compromising circulation.

Strategies to Improve Circulation

While some factors contributing to poor circulation are beyond immediate control, there are steps individuals can take to improve blood flow to their feet:

1. Quit smoking: Smoking accelerates the hardening of arteries, worsening circulation.
2. Manage blood pressure and cholesterol: Follow your healthcare team’s advice to keep these factors under control.
3. Exercise regularly: Physical activity, particularly walking, can stimulate blood flow in the legs and feet.
4. Wear warm socks: If feet are cold, opt for warm socks rather than direct heat sources to avoid burns.

Understanding and Managing Foot Ulcers in Diabetes

Foot ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes that require immediate medical attention. These open sores typically occur on high-pressure areas of the foot, such as the ball of the foot or the bottom of the big toe.

Why are foot ulcers particularly dangerous for diabetics? Ulcers can quickly become infected, and due to compromised circulation and immune function, these infections can be difficult to treat. If left unmanaged, foot ulcers can lead to severe complications, including the potential loss of a limb.

Identifying and Treating Foot Ulcers

What steps are involved in diagnosing and treating diabetic foot ulcers?

• Immediate medical evaluation: All ulcers should be examined by a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• Diagnostic imaging: X-rays may be necessary to check for bone infection.
• Wound cleaning: Dead and infected tissue may need to be removed, potentially requiring hospitalization.
• Infection management: Cultures may be taken to determine the type of infection and appropriate antibiotic treatment.
• Offloading: Keeping weight off the affected foot is crucial for healing.
• Specialized footwear: Special shoes, braces, or casts may be used to protect the ulcer and promote healing.

The Role of Amputation in Severe Diabetic Foot Complications

Amputation is a last-resort intervention for severe diabetic foot complications. Unfortunately, individuals with diabetes face a higher risk of requiring foot or leg amputation compared to the general population.

What factors contribute to the increased amputation risk in diabetics?

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Many people with diabetes develop PAD, which significantly reduces blood flow to the feet.
• Neuropathy: Nerve damage can lead to unnoticed injuries and delayed treatment.
• Chronic infections: Persistent infections that don’t respond to treatment may necessitate amputation to prevent further spread.
• Severe tissue damage: Advanced ulcers or gangrene may leave no alternative but amputation.

Preventing Amputation Through Proactive Care

While the risk of amputation is significant, many cases can be prevented through diligent foot care and management of diabetes. Regular check-ups, prompt treatment of injuries or infections, and maintaining good blood glucose control are all crucial steps in reducing the risk of severe complications that could lead to amputation.

Comprehensive Foot Care Strategies for Diabetics

Maintaining healthy feet is a critical aspect of diabetes management. A comprehensive foot care routine can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve overall quality of life.

What are the key components of an effective diabetic foot care regimen?

1. Daily inspection: Carefully examine feet each day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems.
2. Regular washing: Clean feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap, ensuring thorough drying, especially between toes.
3. Moisturizing: Apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of feet, but not between toes.
4. Nail care: Trim toenails straight across and file edges with an emery board.
5. Footwear selection: Always wear clean, dry socks and well-fitting shoes that protect feet from injury.
6. Temperature protection: Shield feet from extreme hot and cold temperatures.
7. Circulation promotion: Wiggle toes and move ankles up and down for a few minutes several times a day.

The Importance of Regular Professional Foot Examinations

In addition to daily self-care, regular professional foot examinations are crucial for individuals with diabetes. These check-ups allow for early detection of potential problems and provide an opportunity for personalized advice on foot care techniques.

How often should diabetics have their feet professionally examined? It’s generally recommended to have a comprehensive foot exam at least once a year, or more frequently if you have existing foot problems or a history of complications.

Emerging Technologies in Diabetic Foot Care

As medical science advances, new technologies are being developed to improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of diabetic foot complications.

What innovative approaches are being used in diabetic foot care?

• Smart socks: These wearable devices can detect temperature changes in the feet, potentially identifying areas of inflammation before visible signs appear.
• Advanced imaging techniques: New imaging technologies can provide detailed views of foot structures, helping to detect problems earlier.
• Bioengineered skin substitutes: These products can aid in the healing of chronic diabetic foot ulcers.
• 3D-printed orthotic insoles: Custom-made insoles can provide better pressure distribution and comfort for diabetic feet.
• Telemedicine platforms: Remote monitoring tools allow for more frequent foot checks and quicker intervention when problems arise.

The Promise of Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine techniques, such as stem cell therapy and growth factor treatments, are showing promise in promoting healing and tissue regeneration in diabetic foot ulcers. While many of these approaches are still in the research phase, they offer hope for improved outcomes in the future.

How might regenerative medicine change the landscape of diabetic foot care? These innovative treatments could potentially accelerate wound healing, reduce the risk of amputation, and improve overall foot health for individuals with diabetes. As research progresses, we may see a shift towards more personalized and effective treatments for diabetic foot complications.

Foot Complications | ADA

Neuropathy

Although it can hurt, diabetic nerve damage can also lessen your ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. Loss of feeling often means you may not feel a foot injury. You could have a tack or stone in your shoe and walk on it all day without knowing. You could get a blister and not feel it. You might not notice a foot injury until the skin breaks down and becomes infected.

Nerve damage can also lead to changes in the shape of your feet and toes. If your foot doesn’t fit comfortably in regular shoes, ask your doctor about special therapeutic shoes or inserts, rather than forcing your feet and toes into shoes that don’t fit and can cause more damage. 

Skin changes

Diabetes can cause changes in the skin of your foot. At times your foot may become very dry. The skin may peel and crack. This problem is caused by nerve damage that affects your body’s ability to control the oil and moisture in your foot.

After bathing, dry your feet and seal in the remaining moisture with a thin coat of plain petroleum jelly, an unscented hand cream, or other such products. Do not put oils or creams between your toes. The extra moisture can lead to infection. Also, don’t soak your feet—that can dry your skin.
 

Calluses

Calluses occur more often and build up faster on the feet of people with diabetes. This is because there are high-pressure areas under the foot. Too much callus may mean that you will need therapeutic shoes and inserts.

Calluses, if not trimmed, get very thick, break down, and turn into ulcers (open sores). Never try to cut calluses or corns yourself—this can lead to ulcers and infection. Let a health care professional on your diabetes care team cut your calluses. Also, do not try to remove calluses and corns with chemical agents. These products can burn your skin.

Using a pumice stone every day will help keep calluses under control. It is best to use the pumice stone on wet skin. Put on lotion right after you use the pumice stone.

Poor circulation

Poor circulation (blood flow) can make your foot less able to fight infection and to heal. Diabetes causes blood vessels of the foot and leg to narrow and harden. You can control some of the things that cause poor blood flow. Don’t smoke; smoking makes arteries harden faster. Also, follow your diabetes care team’s advice for keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control.

If your feet are cold, you may want to warm them. Keep aware that, unfortunately, if you have nerve damage, your feet may not be able feel heat properly and it is easy for you to burn them with hot water, hot water bottles, or heating pads. The best way to warm cold feet is to wear warm socks.

Some people feel pain in their calves when walking fast, up a hill, or on a hard surface. This condition is called intermittent claudication. Stopping to rest for a few moments should end the pain. If you have these symptoms, you must stop smoking. Work with your diabetes care team to get started on a walking program. Some people can also be helped with medication to improve circulation.

Exercise is good for poor circulation. It stimulates blood flow in the legs and feet. Walk in sturdy, comfortable shoes that fit comfortably, but don’t walk when you have open sores on your feet.

Foot ulcers

Ulcers occur most often on the ball of the foot or on the bottom of the big toe. Ulcers on the sides of the foot are usually due to poorly fitting shoes. Remember, even though some ulcers do not hurt, every ulcer should be seen by your doctor right away. Neglecting ulcers can result in infections, which in turn can lead to loss of a limb.

What your doctor will do varies with your ulcer. Your doctor may need to take x-rays of your foot to make sure the bone is not infected. The ulcer may also need to have any dead and infected tissue cleaned out. You may need to go into the hospital for this cleaning. Also, a culture of the wound may be used to find out what type of infection you have and which antibiotic will work best.

Keeping off your feet is very important. Walking on an ulcer can enlarge it and force the infection deeper into your foot. Your doctor may put a special shoe, brace, or cast on your foot to protect it.

If your ulcer is not healing and your circulation is poor, you may be referred to a vascular surgeon. Managing diabetes is important since high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels make it hard to fight infection.

After a foot ulcer heals, treat your foot carefully. Scar tissue from the wound will break down easily. You may need to wear special shoes after the ulcer is healed to protect this area and to prevent the ulcer from returning.
 

Amputation

People with diabetes are far more likely to have a foot or leg amputated than other people. The problem? Many people with diabetes have peripheral artery disease (PAD), which reduces blood flow to the feet. Also, many people with diabetes have neuropathy, causing you to not feel your feet. Together, these problems make it easy to get ulcers and infections that may lead to amputation. Most amputations are preventable by checking your feet daily, go to regular visits with your doctor, and wear proper footwear.

For these reasons, take good care of your feet and see your doctor right away if you see any signs of foot problems. Ask about prescription shoes that are covered by Medicare and other insurance. Always follow your doctor’s advice when caring for ulcers or other foot problems.

One of the biggest threats to your feet is smoking. Smoking affects small blood vessels. It can cause decreased blood flow to the feet and make wounds heal slowly. A lot of people with diabetes who need amputations are smokers. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW if you need help quitting. 

For more tools and resources visit our Amputation Prevention Alliance page.

How to treat cracked heels with diabetes

Diabetes can lead to skin changes on the feet, including cracked heels. Without treatment, infections and other complications can arise. Tips for protecting the feet include regular checking, moisturizing, and wearing appropriate footwear.

Diabetes describes several conditions that affect how the body processes and maintains its blood sugar level. If a person has a difficult time keeping their blood sugar within a stable range, they may experience complications that can include foot problems, such as cracked heels.

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, refer to hard, dry skin forming over the heels of the feet. This can cause discomfort and may lead to health complications, such as slow-healing wounds and infections.

In this article, we discuss how diabetes affects the feet, how to treat cracked heels, and how to manage other common foot health concerns that may occur with diabetes.

An unstable blood sugar level can lead to nerve damage and a circulation decrease.

Nerve damage can result in a person losing sensation in their feet. This may make it harder for a person to notice wounds, such as blisters, on their feet. As such, a person may not treat some wounds, so these cuts and sores may have a higher infection risk.

Damage to the nerves can also impact how the body keeps its natural oils and moisture in the feet. This may make it more difficult for a person to feel the formation of hard, thick sections of skin. Therefore, a person with diabetes may be more likely to develop dry and cracked skin.

Usually, a healthy blood flow delivers sufficient nutrients and immune cells to a wound, which encourages healing and prevents infections. However, as diabetes can affect circulation, it causes blood to move more slowly, which means the body may have difficulty healing the wound or stopping an infection.

Additionally, a decrease in circulation can result in changes to the skin of the feet and lead to the formation of calluses.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) recommends the following options to help treat cracked heels at home and prevent them from coming back. These suggestions include:

• Taking shorter baths and showers: Bathing for too long can make skin dry out, which can worsen cracked heals. It is also advisable to gently blot the skin dry using a towel.
• Using a gentle cleanser: This can help the skin on the heels retain their natural oils and prevent dry skin.
• Moisturizing after bathing: Applying a moisturizer to the heels immediately after bathing, when the skin is still damp, can lock in moisture. People may consider using moisturizers that contain urea, alpha hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid.
• Applying petroleum jelly before bed: Applying a layer of plain petroleum jelly and wearing socks before bed can help heels maintain moisture.
• Protecting the heels: People may consider using a liquid bandage during the day to create a protective barrier over the heel. This can help reduce pain, speed up healing, and prevent pathogens from entering the skin.
• Wearing proper footwear: Wearing appropriate footwear can provide the feet with suitable support and reduce pressure on the heel. As such, people may want to avoid open-heeled shoes, such as flip flops.

In more severe cases, or if a person notices no improvement, it is advisable for them to contact a podiatrist. This term refers to an individual who specializes in the medical care and treatment of the foot.

A podiatrist can provide advice on looking after the feet and can offer more effective treatment options, which may include debridement or stronger softening or debriding agents.

Learn more about treating cracked heels.

Foot health complications that a person with diabetes may experience include:

• Neuropathy: This refers to a potential complication of diabetes that results in nerve damage. This can lead to a person losing sensation in their feet, making it difficult to feel cuts or sores that can worsen and result in further complications.
• Circulation decrease: A decrease in blood flow to the feet can cause injuries to heal slowly or not heal at all, making it harder for the feet to clear infections.
• Foot ulcers: This refers to slow-healing wounds that commonly affect the feet of people living with diabetes. Without proper management, an ulcer can undergo necrosis and become gangrenous.
• Amputation: In severe cases, when wounds do not heal on the foot, a doctor may need to surgically remove the limb.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides tips to keep feet healthy, including:

• Checking feet regularly: By checking the feet every day for any cuts, discoloration, sores, or other changes to the feet, a person can appropriately treat the health concern before it gets worse.
• Washing feet: It is important to wash, dry, and moisturize the feet to keep them clean and hydrate them.
• Avoiding going barefoot: To help prevent potential injuries to the feet, it is advisable to always wear footwear, such as shoes, socks, and slippers.
• Wearing well-fitting shoes: By wearing comfortable shoes that provide appropriate support, people can avoid injuries to their feet, such as blisters.
• Trimming nails carefully: It is advisable that people trim toenails straight across and keep them short. Rounded nails can grow inward, leading to infection.
• Caring for corns and calluses: It is important to treat corns and calluses carefully because if a person attempts to remove them themselves, this could cause injury.
• Regular foot exams: In addition to regularly connecting with other members of the diabetes healthcare team, a person may want to consider attending podiatry appointments so that a doctor can check their feet.
• Regular physical activity: Keeping physically active supports adequate blood flow to the feet, which can help avoid foot health concerns. A person can consider feet-friendly activities, such as walking, biking, or swimming.

Additionally, it is important for a person to try to manage their blood sugar and keep it within a stable range. A person can reduce the risk of foot health complications from diabetes by:

• checking blood glucose levels regularly
• taking diabetes medication
• maintaining a moderate weight

Potential complications of diabetes can include a circulation decrease and slow wound healing. This means a person living with diabetes may be at a higher risk of foot health concerns, such as cracked heels. Without appropriate treatment, cracked heels can become painful and develop infection.

Therefore, to prevent cracked heels and potential complications, it is important for a person with diabetes to try following foot care tips, such as checking their feet regularly, moisturizing, and wearing well-fitting shoes.

Diabetes pedicure: classic and hardware

With diabetes, diabetic foot syndrome develops – anatomical and functional changes occur in the tissues, due to which the legs need special care. Pedicure is necessary for diabetes, because. diabetic foot care requires professional, attentive care. The lack of a pedicure can lead to problems up to abscesses, gangrene.

What is diabetic foot

Symptoms

Diabetic foot is a complex of symptoms that appear due to a violation of microcirculation in tissues. A high concentration of glucose in the blood in diabetes mellitus provokes changes in the structure and functions of blood vessels, peripheral nerves. As a result, the elasticity of blood vessels decreases, blood viscosity increases, tissue trophism is disturbed, and nerve endings lose their sensitivity. These changes cause a decrease in the protective function of tissues, the slightest injury to the foot leads to the formation of difficult-to-heal wounds and necrosis.

Diabetic foot symptoms:

• Pain in the feet while walking.
• Rapid fatigue of the legs.
• Swelling of tissues.
• Areas of hyperpigmentation.
• Calluses and scuffs.
• Dry skin, hyperkeratosis (excessive thickening of the stratum corneum).
• Long-term non-healing cracks.
• The appearance of ulcers on the fingers and soles (areas that experience increased stress when walking).
• Foot deformity.
• Decreased tissue sensitivity.

The severity of symptoms depends on the form and degree of diabetic foot syndrome, for an accurate diagnosis, diabetic patients should consult a doctor.

Risk factors

With a diabetic foot, any mechanical impact on the feet can lead to ulcers and serious complications. The same effect causes a slight increase in the load on the legs; even a thickening of the stratum corneum can act as a loading element.

Risk factors that can lead to severe complications:

• Dermatomycosis and onychomycosis.
• Calluses.
• Wet, dry, calluses.
• Ingrown nails.
• Cracks in the heels.
• Dry, rough skin.
• Bruises.
• Treatment of leather with sharp instruments.

Due to the reduced tissue sensitivity in diabetics, the likelihood of skin damage increases if you do your own pedicure at home. If the hygiene rules are not followed, the wounds become easily infected, the bacterial infection spreads quickly and captures the surrounding tissues, and the risk of developing an abscess and gangrene increases.

Another risk factor is uncomfortable shoes. Due to reduced sensitivity, patients do not feel friction and continue to walk in tight shoes. Calluses, wet and dry calluses, cracks quickly appear on the skin, which cause ulcerative lesions; when squeezing the foot with shoes, ischemic tissue necrosis develops within a few hours.

Diabetic pedicure features

Pedicure for diabetes mellitus is an addition to medical treatment and prevention of diabetic foot, so it should be carried out regularly, every 2-3 weeks.

Diabetes pedicure aims to:

• Removal of corns, calluses and cornification.
• Putting in order the nail plates.
• Improvement of tissue trophism.
• Reducing the load on the feet by removing areas of hyperkeratosis.
• Treatment of microdamages of the skin, hygienic care.
• Prevention of bacterial and fungal infection.
• Skin softening, prevention of dryness and cracking.
• Revealing signs of diabetic foot.
• Prevention of diabetic foot complications.

Foot care for diabetics should be especially careful and thorough, so pedicure has its own characteristics:

• Do not use cutting or sharp instruments.
• Alcohol-free antiseptics.
• Soaking the skin is not used, in extreme cases, the duration of the bath should not exceed five minutes at a water temperature of 36-37°C.
• Files, sanding attachments and other devices for processing leather must be soft, fine-grained.
• Do not cut the skin and cuticles (the skin is carefully polished, the cuticle is pushed back).
• The procedure is carried out under strict antiseptic conditions.

Only a podiatrist, a doctor who deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot diseases, has the right to perform a pedicure for diabetes mellitus.

Types of pedicure for diabetes

Classic

Classic pedicure involves soaking and further removal of rough skin with cutting tools, so this procedure is not used for diabetes mellitus.

Hardware

Hardware medical pedicure for diabetes is carried out using a milling cutter – a device that consists of a main body, an external handle with interchangeable cutter heads and a foot control pedal. Rotating nozzles of various abrasiveness gently remove the cuticle and polish the feet, skin damage is excluded.

Hardware pedicure steps:

1. Foot disinfection.
2. Nail treatment (grinding the cuticle, removing dirt, processing the free edge and polishing the nail plate).
3. Skin treatment (removal of cornification, dry calluses, cracks, polishing).
4. Skin softening with a special cream.

Medical apparatus

Hardware medical pedicure is carried out if the following conditions are found in a patient with diabetes mellitus:

• Diabetic foot syndrome with all characteristic symptoms./li>
• Ingrown nails.
• Corns.
• Fungal infection of nails and skin.
• Increased fragility of nails.

The technique of conducting a medical pedicure is the same as that of a conventional hardware one, the difference between the methods lies in their purpose. Hardware pedicure is a hygienic and cosmetic procedure that takes care of the skin and nails, serves as a prevention of foot diseases in diabetes mellitus. A therapeutic component is added – the podiatrist uses techniques aimed at eliminating existing diseases or alleviating their course.

Diabetic foot care

Most people with diabetes manage to avoid the development of complications in the form of trophic ulcers and skin necrosis. This can be done if the following rules are followed:

• Do not do a pedicure on your own, but go to a podiatrist.
• Do not heat frozen feet with electric heaters or near a battery – if the sensitivity of the feet decreases, it is easy to get burned.
• Do not take long hot baths, as the skin softens, becomes flabby and more vulnerable.
• Do not walk barefoot, even at home, so as not to step on accidentally dropped objects and damage the skin.
• Choose socks with loose elastic bands that will not squeeze the skin and impede blood circulation.
• Do not cut nails with scissors, but carefully file in a straight line./li>
• Check the feet and the skin between the toes daily for damage and early symptoms of a diabetic foot.
• Immediately wash the detected wounds with water-based antiseptics (for example, a solution of chlorhexidine or miramistin), seal with a bactericidal plaster.
• When washing your feet, grind your feet with a file designed for diabetics – the special grainy surface of the file exfoliates the skin and prevents the appearance of keratinization, eliminating the risk of injury.
• Wipe the washed feet dry with a soft towel, without rubbing, especially thoroughly pat the skin between the toes.
• Soften the skin with a cream intended for foot skin care in diabetes mellitus, there should be no cream in the interdigital spaces so that diaper rash does not appear.
• Choose comfortable footwear made from natural materials without coarse seams.
• If skin lesions after antiseptic treatment do not heal within 1-2 days, you should immediately consult a doctor.
• Carry a “diabetic first aid kit” with you at all times, including wound care and dressing supplies.

Pedicure for diabetes should be regular, as the procedure is not only hygienic, but also serves as a way to prevent diabetic foot syndrome and its complications.

5 best creams for cracked heels in 2023: rating, reviews, expert advice serious diseases, primarily neurodermatitis or diabetes mellitus. But whatever it is, this problem must be solved in any case and as soon as possible. Moreover, cracked heels cause a lot of discomfort while walking.

How can calluses and corns be dealt with? First tip: take foot baths regularly. To prevent the formation of calluses on the heels, 1-2 times a week do foot baths for 10-20 minutes. They not only relax, but also soften the skin. After such a bath on softened skin, you can quickly remove the excess layer of keratinized skin with a pumice stone. After a bath or shower, thoroughly dry your feet and legs and apply a special foot or heel cream to them.

If your feet are already hard and dry, the skin in these areas loses its elasticity. There are prerequisites for the formation of corns. And deep cracks and folds can appear on the skin. Such cracks break the integrity of the skin, and an infection can develop that is not easy to cure. Diabetics should pay special attention to such cracks. To prevent infection, we recommend wearing cotton socks throughout the night. During the night, our feet rest – this is the perfect time to apply a special cream against corns. Before going to bed, generously apply a special cream for corns on the affected areas with cracked skin, put cotton socks on top and leave them all night. Due to this, the selected heel cream will be able to work for a long time.

Rating of the top 5 creams for cracked heels according to KP

1.

Heel cream with 25% urea from Numis Med

Heel cream with 25% urea from Numis Med. Photo: yandex.market.ru

The cream is necessary for intensive care of hardened problematic skin of the feet and heels, especially for very dry skin prone to cracking. It soothes the skin, neutralizes odor, and with prolonged use prevents the formation of corns and corns. Urea in a high concentration of 25% quickly and intensively moisturizes and softens the skin, along with lanolin, jojoba and shea oils, nourishes and restores it. Panthenol, allantoin, bisabolol and tocopherol effectively heal microcracks on rough skin. And piroctone olamine and silver chloride prevent the occurrence of fungal and bacterial infections. The cream is created and tested by dermatologists.

Buy

2. Ciel Parfum

Ciel Parfum. Photo: yandex.market.ru

A good option for those who returned from vacation with cracked skin on their feet or those who have to spend a lot of time in closed shoes. Thanks to the developed formula of the product based on extracts of algae and edelweiss cells, CIEL parfum quickly solves the problem of “overdrying” of the skin, removes the dead layer of cells, and reduces the depth of cracks. The texture of Ciel Parfum is more like an ointment than a cream, so it is best to apply and leave overnight. The smell is pleasant, convenient packaging, which you can always take with you on the road.

Of the minuses: slow absorption.

3. Purelan by Medela

Purelan by Medela. Photo: yandex.market.ru

Medela Purelan is actually a cream for young mothers who suffer from cracked nipples. But thanks to the innovative formula based on natural ingredients, the cream has become a real must-have for those who suffer from discomfort in the feet. It can often be found on a shelf in the office of pedicure masters. Purelan heals cracks after 2-3 applications, quickly regenerates epidermal cells, relieves them of inflammation. Despite the dense texture of the cream, it is quickly absorbed, does not leave that same sticky feeling. There is a travel format.

Of the minuses: is hard to find in cosmetics stores, it’s easier to order online.

4. Cracked heel foot cream from

Neutrogena

Cracked heel foot cream from Neutrogena. Photo: yandex.market.ru

What is required from a cream for cracked heels? To remove irritation as quickly as possible, eliminate microcracks and preserve the effect for a long time. And although these are several tasks at once, manufacturers from Neutrogena coped and created a whole line of creams for the treatment of cracked skin: “Intensive Recovery”, “Restoring”, and “Callus”. The formula of all three products includes aloe extract, panthenol, vitamin E and glycerin. And just a week of application is enough to solve even an old problem. It is better to use a restorative cream in courses, it will help to fix the result and saturate the skin with vitamin B 5.

Of the minuses: in order to completely solve the problem with cracked heels, you will have to spend money on the entire line.

5. Gehwol Med

Gehwol Med. Photo: yandex. market.ru

This is a real lifesaver for those who still decide to fight for the smoothness of their feet. Bisabolol, which softens natural fats, vitamin B 5 and a line of natural oils, which is part of the composition, promises to cope even with advanced cases. The cream really works wonders. Already after the first application, the sensation of discomfort and pain disappears, inflammation disappears, and tights and socks no longer cling to the “burrs” on the heels. An important point: since this is more of an ointment than a cream, which means that it is absorbed for a long time, you should pay attention to proper use – it is recommended to apply the composition on the foot, put on loose cotton socks and leave it overnight.

Of the minuses: has a medicinal smell, cannot be used for a long time, is expensive compared to similar products of competitors.

How to choose a cream for cracked heels

Read the packaging carefully. Quality manufacturers must indicate the expected effect of the cream (softening, nourishing, healing, protection), production date, expiration date and hypoallergenicity of the product.