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Your Diet And Type 2 Diabetes
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F.A.C.E. Diabetes Fact #1
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Managing Your Type 2 Diabetes With Exercise

Skin and Foot Care Tips

Just like diet and exercise, proper skin and foot care are important parts of taking care of yourself as a person with type 2 diabetes. Pay attention to skin problems and see your doctor before the problem gets out of control. You should know, as many as one-third of people with diabetes live with or experience a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some time in their lives.

Skin Care

Diabetes Skin Care

The following suggestions can help you avoid and/or treat skin problems associated with diabetes. Remember to talk to your healthcare provider about any skin problems you experience.

  • Keep your skin dry and clean. Dry yourself thoroughly after you bathe. You can also use absorbent powder in areas where skin touches skin, like your armpits
  • Use warm water for bathing. Avoid very hot water. Certain types of bubble bath may dry your skin, so avoid these and use moisturizing soaps instead
  • Keep skin moisturized. Moisturize your skin to prevent chapping, especially when the weather is cold or windy. Do not put moisturizer between your toes as too much moisture there can encourage fungus to grow
  • Treat cuts quickly and gently. Minor cuts should be cleaned with mild soap and water, not with harsh skin antiseptics like alcohol or iodine
  • Keep the air moist. Cold, dry months can make the air too dry indoors. Purchase a humidifier for your home to add moisture to the air
  • Use mild hair care products. Use gentle shampoos without heavy perfume to avoid scalp irritation
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Foot Care
Be On the Lookout

Diabetes Foot Care

As a person with diabetes, foot problems are more likely because diabetes can cause poor blood flow and nerve damage in the lower legs and feet. This may lead to infections that can turn into serious complications and possibly the need for amputation (surgical removal of a part of the body). If you suspect you have a foot infection, contact your healthcare provider right away.

The tips below can help you reduce your risks for these types of problems:

  • Take care of your diabetes. Making sure you are within your target blood sugar range recommended by your doctor can help reduce the risk of serious foot problems
  • Inspect your feet daily. Look for anything unusual like cuts, swelling, blisters or red spots. Use a mirror to inspect them closely. If you cannot see your feet, have someone else inspect them for you
  • Increase your activity. Talk to your healthcare provider and decide which type of exercise is right for you
  • Inquire about special shoes. Medicare may cover special shoes for your diabetes. Ask your healthcare provider for more information
  • Bathe your feet daily. Make sure they are dry before putting on socks (especially in between the toes)
  • Whenever possible, wear socks and shoes. Walking barefoot is not recommended for people with diabetes
  • Avoid extreme temperatures. Wear shoes at the beach, on hot pavement and in the snow. Never put your feet into very hot water
  • Elevate or move your feet often. If you are sitting down, elevate your feet on a chair. If you are sitting down all day, wiggle your toes and move your ankles periodically throughout the day
  • Plan to see your doctor once a year. Your doctor will perform a comprehensive check on your feet and make sure there are no problems which could become serious
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