For people with diabetes, proper foot care is essential. Diabetes can seriously affect foot health, leading to issues such as wounds, infections, and impaired blood circulation. Additionally, diabetes impacts the skin of the feet, which often becomes dry and more vulnerable. This makes extra care and the right products crucial to keep the feet healthy.
Note: We are not a doctor or specialist in diabetes care. For questions about your health, it is best to consult a doctor or your pedicurist.
How Diabetes Affects the Skin of the Feet
Diabetes brings specific challenges regarding foot health. Due to impaired blood circulation and an increased risk of nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), wounds may go unnoticed, leading to a higher risk of infection. The impact of diabetes on the skin of the feet can be seen in the following ways:
- Reduced blood flow can cause the skin to dry out faster, leading to insufficient production of natural oils. This makes the skin more susceptible to cracks or wounds, increasing the risk of infections.
- The combination of dry skin and reduced circulation often leads to cracks and callus formation. This makes the skin more vulnerable and, for people with diabetes, can lead to infections more quickly.
- Diabetes often slows down wound healing, meaning that even small wounds require a lot of attention. This emphasizes the importance of daily inspection and careful foot maintenance.
Tips for Daily Foot Care with Diabetes
Diabetische voetverzorging vraagt om een extra zorgvuldige aanpak. Goede voetverzorging Diabetic foot care requires an extra careful approach. Good foot care is important for everyone, but for people with diabetes, it's essential to pay daily attention to the feet to prevent problems. Here are some practical tips to keep your feet healthy:
- Check your feet daily. Look every day for wounds, blisters, redness, or swelling. Even a small injury can quickly become a bigger problem with diabetes.
- Wash your feet carefully. Use lukewarm water and mild, hypoallergenic soap to clean the skin without drying it out. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent moisture from lingering, which increases the risk of infections.
- Hydrate your skin. Diabetes can cause the skin to dry out faster. A mild, fragrance-free cream helps keep the skin soft and supple, but avoid applying the cream between the toes to reduce the risk of fungal infections.
- Trim nails with care. Keep your toenails straight and short to prevent ingrown nails. Be careful when trimming to avoid injuries.
- Wear properly fitting shoes. Choose shoes that support the foot and allow space to prevent friction. Avoiding pressure points is important to prevent blisters and wounds.
Hypoallergenic Products for Diabetic Foot Care
For people with diabetes, hypoallergenic creams are often recommended. These creams moisturize without irritating the skin and contain no fragrances or colorants, reducing the risk of allergies. For this reason, Hypogeen is one of the brands recommended by pedicurists and the Dutch Diabetes Association. Hypogeen products are also sold through Living Life with Diabetes..
- Hypogeen Callus and Crack CreamThis cream provides intensive hydration and helps soften the skin. Its soothing effect aids in reducing cracks and calluses, making the skin less prone to small tears and vulnerable spots. The cream is fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
- Hypogeen Foot Bath Herbal BoostThis mild, hypoallergenic foot bath provides a refreshing boost for tired feet. It ensures a gentle, deep cleanse without drying out the skin and is safe for daily use.
- Hypogeen Foot CreamOur hypoallergenic foot cream deeply hydrates, which is essential for feet that dry out more quickly due to diabetes. The cream helps keep the skin supple and hydrated, and is gentle enough for daily use.
- Hypogeen Foot & Leg CreamThis all-in-one cream moisturizes and protects both the feet and legs. Ideal for diabetics who often suffer from dry skin, this cream provides long-lasting hydration and supports the skin barrier.
These hypoallergenic products are specially developed for sensitive skin and contain no irritating ingredients such as fragrances or colorants. Regular use can contribute to healthier feet and help prevent common foot problems.
Foot care is a daily investment
Good foot care is an important daily habit for people with diabetes. By carefully inspecting, hydrating, and using the right products on your feet, you reduce the chance of problems and keep your feet healthy. With a few small adjustments to your daily routine, you can make your feet more resilient to the challenges that diabetes brings. However, for people with diabetes, it’s important to regularly visit a specialist, such as a podiatrist or pedicurist. They can help identify potential problems and provide advice on proper foot care.