Why Are Diabetic Feet Vulnerable?
The diabetic foot refers to a set of pathological conditions affecting the feet of people with diabetes. It mainly results from impaired blood circulation and diabetic neuropathy, which reduce sensitivity in the feet and increase the risk of wounds and infections. These problems are made worse by fragile, often dry skin, prone to cracking. To better understand the causes of very dry feet, it's essential to know the contributing factors and their consequences.
What Factors Are Responsible for Diabetic Foot?
Poor Blood Circulation: An Underestimated Risk
Diabetes can impair blood circulation, making it difficult for oxygen and nutrients to reach the tissues of the feet. This poor blood flow increases the formation of wounds and slows down their healing. Due to vascular insufficiency, even a small cut or blister can develop into an ulcer. Over time, if the tissues don't receive enough blood, necrosis can appear, increasing the risk of serious infection, which can lead to amputation.
Diabetic Neuropathy: When Feet Lose Their Sensitivity
Prolonged high blood sugar can damage the nerves in the feet, leading to a loss of sensitivity. This reduced sensory perception makes it impossible to feel pain or repeated friction, which can lead to undetected injuries. For example, a burn caused by hot water, or a stone stuck in a shoe, can go unnoticed and worsen. Neuropathy can also alter posture and gait, causing excessive pressure points on certain areas of the foot, which increases the risk of ulcers forming.¹
Fragile Skin, More Exposed to Aggressors
Diabetes often causes excessive skin dryness due to impaired sweat gland function, resulting in insufficient natural hydration. Dry skin is more prone to fissures and cracks, which provide an entry point for bacteria. When the skin is weakened, the slightest impact or friction can cause more serious injuries that are harder to heal. Using suitable moisturising treatments is essential for strengthening the skin barrier and preventing these complications.
What Care Is Needed to Protect Your Feet If You Have Diabetes?
Hydration and Skincare: An Essential Step
To prevent dry skin linked to diabetic foot, proper skin care is essential. URGO Filmomousse® Intense Hydration, suitable from 5 years, is formulated to meet the needs of very dry to cracked feet, and is suitable for the feet of people with diabetes. Its light, non-greasy foam texture absorbs quickly, without leaving a sticky film. It intensely hydrates, reduces cracks, and soothes itching.
The URGO Product You Need: URGO Filmomousse® Intense Hydration
Hygiene and Infection Prevention: Good Habits to Adopt
It's essential to wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day, paying particular attention to the spaces between the toes. In the case of a small wound, applying a suitable antiseptic helps limit the risk of infection. To effectively protect superficial wounds, URGO dressings offer a range of solutions to suit different needs: stretch dressings to move with you, discreet dressings for everyday use, universal dressings for everyday use, or waterproof dressings for protection even in damp conditions. All of these provide protection for your superficial wounds.
Choosing the Right Footwear to Avoid Injury
Choosing comfortable, well-fitting shoes helps prevent friction and pressure points that could lead to wounds. Specific insoles may be recommended to distribute pressure evenly and avoid accidental injuries.
Monitoring and Medical Care: When Should You Seek Advice?
It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional if in doubt, and in the following situations:
- The presence of a wound, however minor, that doesn't heal after a few days.
- Unusual foot pain, a burning sensation or tingling.
- The appearance of redness, swelling or oozing, which may indicate an infection.
- The formation of an abnormal callus or hard patch of skin.
- A change in the colour or temperature of a foot, which may be a sign of a vascular problem.
Regular podiatric follow-up helps anticipate these complications. If in doubt, prompt care is essential to avoid any worsening.
How Can You Avoid Complications from Diabetic Foot?
- Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels reduces the risk of neuropathy and vascular insufficiency.
- Examining your feet every day helps detect any lesion quickly.
- Carrying out suitable care: moisturising your feet with suitable products such as Urgo Filmomousse® Intense Hydration
- Wearing suitable socks and shoes: choosing cotton socks and comfortable shoes helps avoid friction and irritation.
Conclusion: Preventing to Better Protect Your Feet
Diabetes can lead to serious complications on dry to cracked feet if not managed in time. Good hygiene, moisturising treatments such as those from the URGO range, and regular monitoring all help limit the risks. If in doubt, a medical consultation is recommended for suitable care. To find out more, read our articles on very dry feet and their causes and caring for damaged feet.
