1. Check
your feet daily. Inspect the top, sides, bottoms, heels and between the toes.
2. Have
a mirror that is large enough to see the bottom of your foot and keep it either
under your bed or in your bathroom.
3. Wash
your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild cleansers. Dry feet
thoroughly, especially between the toes as infections can develop in moist
areas.
4. Test
the temperature of the water before immersing your feet, because the normal
ability to sense hot temperatures is usually lessened in diabetics; thus burns
can occur easily.
5. Soak
your feet in lukewarm water to soften the nails before trimming. Do not cut
your nails down close to the skin under the nail, or into the corners.
6. Never
push back your cuticles as cuticles form a protective barrier against
infection.
7. Apply
a moisturizer after bathing your feet. Because of skin changes associated with diabetes,
your feet may become very dry and may even crack, potentially causing an
infection. Soften dry skin by applying a non-greasy product such as Footlogix™
Mousse.
8. Never
use medicated commercial corn cures/pads as they can very easily damage the
skin.
9. Exercise
daily to promote good circulation.
10. Avoid sitting with legs crossed
standing on one position for long periods of time as this slows blood
circulation.
