What are the risks related to foot health in diabetics during summer holidays?
People with sensory deficits due to what we call diabetes-related polyneuropathy (nerve end damage) may experience a decrease or loss in the sensation of pressure, pain and temperature.
For this reason, some diabetics can cause serious damage to their feet by stepping on an object without realizing it, by not feeling that tight shoes cause wounds on their feet, or by not feeling that their soles are burning on hot floors.
The delay in wound healing is even more evident in diabetics, especially if their sugar control is impaired.
On the other hand, in diabetic patients, narrowing-occlusions are observed more frequently in the leg and foot veins, as in all veins.
Sometimes, although the main arteries are open, there is impaired blood flow at the capillary level. This makes wound healing even more difficult.
Therefore, it is best to ensure that no wounds are opened.
Diabetics should not step barefoot on the hot ground near the sea-pool and should wear slippers near the sea-pool shore.
If the seabed they enter is not sandy, rocky, or has sharp shelled sea creatures, they must wear sea shoes.
For foot care and protection. What to do:
Feet should be washed with 37 C water every day and dried with a soft towel. Care should be taken to dry the spaces between the toes thoroughly.
Moisturizing lotion or cream should be applied to other parts of the foot, except between the toes. In particular, it is necessary to prevent cracking of the heels with good care.
Feet should be checked every day for cuts, scrapes, fungi and possible blisters. A mirror should be used when necessary to see the sole of the foot.
4. Nails should be cut straight. The edges should be filed and the sharpness should be removed. Foot and nail care should be done regularly and if the patient cannot see well, he should definitely get help from his relatives.
5. Calluses and dead tissues should not be cut. Callus medicine, plasters and acids should never be used for calluses. Recommendations of a dermatologist or podiatrist should be taken in this regard.
Shoes Before wearing, the inside should always be checked for foreign objects, stinging substances, rough surfaces and tears.
Shoes should fit the feet and be comfortable. Shoes should be soft leather. The soles should be thick. It is recommended that women do not choose open-toed shoes when choosing summer shoes. The shoes should be laced so that they can expand.
The shoes to be purchased should be purchased in the second half of the day, and if possible, a second shoe, one size larger, should be purchased to wear in the second half of the day.
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Sandals with ties that fit between the toes should not be worn.
More comfortable and breathable shoes should be preferred during journeys, feet should be ventilated at rest stops whenever possible, and socks should be changed on long journeys and if sweating is excessive.
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