How to Prevent Cracked Heels Diabetes
Aside from the internal organs, the feet are the most affected part of the body when a person has diabetes. For a healthy person, having cracked heels could be a normal experience especially when you engage in strenuous activities involving the feet and this can be treated with simple home remedies. However, cracked heels in diabetics could be a result of the following conditions:
- Prolonged standing or walking by a diabetic with excess weight or obese
- Poor blood circulation resulting to claudication or pain in the calf muscles
- Diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage out of diabetic complication especially if the nerve that controls the sweat glands is affected
- Cracked heels in diabetes patients are also due to foot trauma caused by poor circulation and if left unattended can lead to severe foot damage such as gangrene and amputation.
Treatment and Home Remedies of Cracked Heels in Diabetics
The feet are an important part of the body but unfortunately, it is one of the areas that usually gets affected by diabetes. However, you can prevent further damage or heal cracked heels in diabetics by doing the following measures:
- Apply essential oils to the affected area to moisturize it. Petroleum jelly is also a good choice or a thick moisturizing lotion will also do. Apply as often as you need to allow immediate healing.
- Avoid cutting the hardened skin on the heel because it might cause further infection.
- Use pumice to shed off dry and hardened skin. You can also apply baby oil on the area every after bathing. Do not rub the skin excessively as this may cause skin lesions and cuts.
- Avoid using very hot water for bathing because this will promote cracking of your heels.
- Wear comfortable shoes that support the heels and soles of your feet.