Active Feet, Diabetes and Dry Skin: A Safer Daily Routine
Walking can be a valuable part of an active life. For someone with diabetes, foot care deserves special attention because nerve damage can reduce feeling and circulation problems can make injuries harder to heal.
A daily check before the next walk
The CDC recommends checking your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling and other changes. Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas or ask someone to help. A sore can be present even if it does not hurt.
| Question or situation | What to know |
|---|---|
| Before activity | Choose well-fitting shoes and clean socks; check inside the shoes for debris or rough spots. |
| After activity | Inspect both feet, including the soles and between the toes; notice blisters or changes. |
| Dry skin | Ask your care team about appropriate moisturizer for intact skin. The CDC says not to put lotion between the toes because trapped moisture can contribute to infection. |
| A blister, cut, sore, swelling or possible infection | Contact your doctor or foot specialist promptly; follow the plan they give you. |
A different problem calls for a different plan
Itchy, scaly or uncomfortable feet may reflect eczema, athlete's foot, irritation or another condition. Do not assume a new rash or wound is ordinary dryness. A moisturizer is not a substitute for an exam, wound care or treatment for fungal infection.
Your diabetes care team can advise about safe activity, footwear and foot checks. If you have limited feeling in your feet, never rely on sensation alone to tell you whether a shoe or surface is safe.
For related questions, see athlete's foot versus eczema and choosing socks and shoes for sensitive feet.
Dr. Arsy Hydration Recovery Moisturizer #003 is a fragrance-free moisturizer for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Follow the label and your clinician's advice; it is not a treatment for an infection or other medical condition.
Sources and further reading
- CDC: Diabetes and your feet.
- CDC: Foot problems and when to see your doctor.
- NIH / NIDDK: Diabetes and foot problems.
Educational information from Dr. Arsy, not individual medical advice. Cited organizations and researchers do not endorse this product.