For diabetics, fungal infections can be a common problem. If left untreated, these infections can cause serious problems for the feet.
Special care for diabetic feet
If you have diabetes, caring for your feet is extremely important and should be an integral part of your daily health care routine. Fungal foot infections are a common condition among diabetics. You may be going to get your feet checked by your GP, diabetes nurse or podiatrist every year.
Living with diabetes sometimes feels like a full-time job. Don’t let Athlete’s Foot complicate things. Educate yourself to prevent Athlete’s Foot and other foot problems.
Diabetics have an increased risk of developing Athlete’s Foot. However, you can help to cure the infection with anti-fungal treatment such as Lamisil.
Athlete’s Foot causes dry, cracked skin, which can make diabetics more susceptible to more serious conditions such as bacterial infections or even ulcers.
Itching and burning are common symptoms of Athlete’s Foot. However, people with nerve problems in their feet (as sometimes happens in diabetes) may be less aware of these symptoms.
Treating Athlete’s Foot with moisturizer or non-medicated powder is not recommended. To combat the infection, anti-fungal medicines such as Lamisil are required.
If you have diabetes and are concerned about an Athlete’s Foot infection, please consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter anti-fungal medication. Talking to your doctor is especially important if you have neuropathy (nerve problem) , vascular disease, or foot deformity.
Diabetics are particularly susceptible to circulatory problems, which can cause dry and cracked skin. This makes it easier for the fungus to nest between the toes. Therefore, diabetics have an increased risk of Athlete’s Foot.
Diabetes can also cause nerve damage, reducing the ability to detect small skin lesions that allow Athlete’s Foot pathogens to penetrate the skin. Due to the reduced feeling that diabetics may have as a result of nerve damage, they may only notice the symptoms of Athlete’s Foot late.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that diabetics examine their feet daily and visit a podiatrist regularly. Podiatrists specialize in medical foot care and Athlete’s Foot prevention.
The best way to beat fungal infection is prevention. Tips for healthy and fungus-free feet.
Thoroughly examine your feet every day, including between the toes. Use a mirror or ask someone for help if you cannot see the soles of your feet. If you notice redness, sores, swelling, blisters, sore spots, or anything else unusual, contact your doctor or diabetes nurse.
Wear clean cotton socks and change them throughout the day if your feet sweat a lot. Do not wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row, but allow your shoes to dry completely in between.
Avoid walking barefoot, especially in public wet areas such as showers or swimming pools.
Lamisil is a medicine. Always read the individual product leaflet before use
