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Diabetics, examine your feet
(HealthDay News) - People who have diabetes are prone to foot problems that can be serious enough to require amputation.
Good hygiene and regular inspection of the feet can help catch potential problems early.
Here are suggestions for diabetics on how to care for the feet and prevent injury:
- Thoroughly wash your feet each day in warm -- not hot -- water. Make sure you dry them completely after washing.
- Inspect your feet every day, looking for blisters, calluses, cuts, sores or any signs of redness.
- For dry skin, apply lotion -- but never between the toes.
- Gently file down corns and calluses with a pumice stone after washing your feet.
- Cut your toenails regularly, and file the edges with an emery board.
- Avoid walking barefoot, make sure shoes fit well, and always wear socks or stockings with shoes.
Related Links
Living with diabetes: Caring for your feet, skin and teeth
Podiatry (foot care) specialists
Diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism specialists
Source: U.S. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
Copyright: © 2007 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
First published: 10/24/2007
Last updated: 10/24/2007
Reviewed by: HealthDay, a service of ScoutNews, LLC