innovative skincare solutions
Dr Robert Weiss, MBBCh , FC Derm - Dermatologist Diabetes and Feet
Diabetes can affect the feet in a number of ways. While most non-diabetics frequently have problems, the consequences of poor foot care in diabetics may lead to complications and even amputation of the limb.
There are essentially two main problems:
- Nerve related (called a neuropathy)
- Blood vessel related or circulation related
1. Nerve damage
Diabetes causes damage to the small nerves supplying the feet, a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. This reduces the ability to feel pain, pressure or temperature. As a result, diabetics may not notice early damage from foot injuries e.g., a blister, cut or ulcer. In addition nerve damage results in changes to the shape of the bones and leads to changes in the shape of the foot so footwear may not fit well.
Nerve damage may be indicated by any of the following symptoms:
- Painful feet or shooting pains
- Numbness of the feet
- Burning feet especially the soles, often noticed at night
- Pins and needles
2. Poor circulation
Changes in the arteries such as hardening, and blockages in small blood vessels result in poor blood supply to the feet. This may result in the feet feeling cold, pain on walking and painful feet at night. Poor healing is also a result of bad circulation.
What are the consequences?
- Damage to the foot may occur from minor trauma such as ill fitting shoes, poor nail care, minor infections such as athlete's foot or poor hygiene.
- Foot ulcers are common and difficult to heal.
- Infections may spread quickly, and gangrene may even result in amputation of toes or limbs.
- Skin changes may occur making the feet dry. As a result they may crack more easily.
How to look after your feet
- Wash your feet daily and dry them carefully especially between the toes.
- Keep your toenails well trimmed. Have them cut by a podiatrist who knows how to prevent ingrown toenails (Cut straight across and not curved at the ends).
- Avoid ill-fitting shoes.
- Treat corns and calluses early, preferably have them seen by a podiatrist.
- Check your feet daily for any injuries.
- Use moisturizers daily. Heel balms such as P.S HEELS help to prevent dryness and the tea tree oil reduces infection.
- Exercise regularly to improve circulation. Massage helps those who are not mobile.
- Avoid hot water bottles and warmers to warm up feet, they often cause ulcers. Rather massage them and wear soft socks and warm footwear.
Skin care products recommended by Dermatologists and Podiatrists for foot care
1. P.S. HEELS - tea tree containing heel balm
- Contains 25% urea in addition to other emollients to allow for effective moisturizing of thick skin areas such as heels and elbows.
- Highest quality lanolin added for extra emollient effect, still recognized by dermatologists as one of the most effective moisturizers, and despite reports to the contrary, very low potential for allergenicity (this may have been caused in the older preparations by impurities and low quality unrefined lanoline).
- Tea tree has been proven to have mild anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal qualities.
- Non greasy formulation to allow frequent use.
- Dermatologically tested and proven to be hypoallergenic and low irritancy potential.
- Pleasant natural perfume from tea tree.
- No artificial colourants or perfumes.
Visit here for more information on P.S. HEELS...
2. P.S. BODY - all purpose moisturizing cream
- Formulated and tested by dermatologists in association with top cosmetic chemists.
- Well balanced hydrating formula made from finest quality cetomacrogol and glycerine enriched with vitamin E to obtain "nourishment from the outside".
- Non-greasy but sufficiently hydrating.
- No added perfumes or colourants.
- Hypoallergenic and low irritancy potential.
- Best used after bathing but most effective if used frequently e.g. twice daily in very dry conditions and highveld winters.
- Ideal for all types of skin including normal, dry very dry. Can be used safely on babies to old age. Excellent for atopic eczema patients.
- Has effective emulsifying properties so can be used as non-drying soap substitute.
