Why people with diabetes should take extra care of their feet in rainy season

The feet are the most neglected part of our bodies, most of us do not take proper care of our feet. With long standing or poorly controlled Diabetes have some element of Neuropathy settling in. That is, they start to lose some sense of touch in their feet. This also leads to small deformities in their feet resulting in change in pressure points and thick skin.On top of that, they also have reduced blood flow due to blockages of small blood vessels in the feet. Also, all of us know that diabetics are more prone to infection and poor healing.
Almost all of us have small cracks in our feet due to the thick skin. With the combination of neuropathy and crack feet, the rainy season brings a grave danger of Diabetic foot infections.

The weather is hot and humid with increased sweating and all of us have to go out of our houses. As soon as the feet get wet in the monsoons, the water comes in contact with these small cracks. This leads to the onset of some infection. If the feet remain wet for a long time, the infection can spread. Due to loss of sensation, they are not able to feel the pain and discomfort.

According to Dr. Manu Shankar, Clinical Director - Minimal Invasive & General Surgery, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, “To prevent Diabetic foot infections, we need to take very good care of our feet. Good control of sugars is paramount, and if insulin is needed, do not persuade your doctor to avoid it. The first thing is to do with your feet what you do to your face. It means that as we wash our face several times a day and especially after coming out from outside, we need to wash our feet frequently and apply any foot cream to keep them soft and supple.”

Since a lot of us can’t see the bottom of our feet, massaging them helps in moisturizing them as well as feeling for any hard or abnormal areas. Try to avoid getting the feet wet in the rains, and if you get them wet, as soon as you reach a dry area, allow your feet to dry and follow the care routine.
Try not to walk barefoot. Have two to three pairs of padded comfortable and frequently change socks. It is recommended that those with diabetes of more than a decade long duration should get their feet evaluated for neuropathy and deformities. Above all, Diabetic foot infections are an emergency and contact your treating Doctor at the earliest signs of swelling, pain discoloration or foul smell.