What Part of My Foot Should I Moisturize, and What Should I Keep Dry?

Keeping a diabetic foot healthy involves keeping the skin healthy.  The winter is a crucial time in the health of the skin, as most parts of the United States see a significant enough temperature drop to affect the moisturization of the skin.  Keeping the proper level of skin moisturization is important, as dry areas of skin can form cracks and sores, and overly moist areas can lead to bacteria and fungus infections.  One simply has to know what parts of the foot need to be moisturized better, and what parts need to be drier.

The bottom of the foot is particularly at risk of developing cracks, sores, and split skin due to the pressure the thicker skin takes when bearing the weight of the body.  Dry skin makes this worse.  The skin on the bottom of the foot, and to a lesser degree, must stay well moisturized.  This is even more important during the winter, when one naturally sweats less.  When the skin cracks open, bacteria has a direct pathway into the body and can cause an infection.  Once or twice-a-day moisturizing is needed to keep the skin well hydrated, and some people may need a prescription moisturizer with lactic acid or urea to keep the skin healthy.

On the other hand, some parts of the foot need to remain dry.  The spaces between the toes are warm, dark, and generally moist on their own.  the introduction of moisturizers to these spaces can tip the moisture balance to too moist, and can lead to the overproduction of fungus and eventually bacteria, which love warm, dark, moist environments.  One should avoid placing moisturizer creams between the toes to avoid this.  Cracks and fissures can develop in the skin between the toes and do pose a problem.  In these cases, a podiatrist should be seen to properly manage these between-the-toes cracks, as significant wounds and infections have been known to develop in these spots, and medical treatment is needed to restore balance to the skin and prevent these serious complications.

Until next time,
Scott R. Kilberg DPM

www.inpodiatrygroup.com - foot surgeon, podiatrist in Indianapolis
myachingfoot.blogspot.com -  foot pain explained
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A foot doctor in Indianapolis Noblesville Fishers Carmel Westfield and Fortville Indiana.