Taking care of your feet is always a daily task when you have diabetes. When it’s hot out, this becomes even more important. When you are hot, you sweat. This is a normal reaction that helps you stay cool. Sweaty feet, however, are not cool.
When you have diabetes, it is very easy to get infections. This includes fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Fungi like dark, damp, warm environments. This makes your feet prime real estate for fungi.
Tinea Pedis (the fancy medical name for athlete’s foot) can cause sores on your skin. These sores provide a direct route into your body for bacteria. Treating athlete’s foot takes weeks and is very time consuming. Preventing infection is the best route.
To avoid athlete’s foot, try the following tips:
- Keep your feet dry, especially between your toes. Make sure you dry between your toes after bathing.
- Change your socks often, especially if you are outside in the heat. Make sure you choose diabetic socks that fit well.
- Alternate your shoes. Give your shoes time to dry after using them. Switch between two different pairs. (And DON’T share your shoes)
- Protect your feet. Don’t walk around barefoot, even at home.
- Air your feet out. When resting, uncover your feet and let them get some air.
- Antifungal powder, or even just cornstarch powder will help keep your feet dry
Integrus Health Education Services 