People with diabetes urged to stay away from this common health product

If you have diabetes or have knowledge about it, you will know that one common complication of diabetes is foot problems.

Too much sugar in the bloodstream can lead to nerve damage and poor blood flow which can result in serious foot problems.

Nerve damage can cause tingling, painful burning, or stinging of the feet and it is important that people with diabetes take good care of their feet and are gentle with them because products that people use on their feet can significantly affect the overall health of their feet. This is especially true if they have nerve damage or the blood flow to their feet is greatly reduced.

Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate has become a common home remedy for various problems and has several claimed health and beauty benefits. For many years, people have recommended soaking the feet or taking a bath in Epsom salt for various reasons including to soothe muscle aches and pain, to provide relief from itches caused by sunburn and poison ivy, to help remove splinters and to decrease swelling in the body as well as boost the body’s levels of magnesium and sulfate.

Many people commonly soak their feet in Epsom salt to soothe aches however, for people with diabetes, experts have revealed soaking feet in Epsom salt is not ideal, reports MNT.

What happens when you do it?

Soaking the feet can dry out the skin, which can further irritate foot issues for people with diabetes as they tend to have dry feet and the Epsom salt bath may only make the condition worse.

Soaking for a long time can also open small cracks that may be present in the skin, allowing germs to enter.

While an Epsom salt foot soak may sound good, no type of foot soak is recommended for people with diabetes.

If you have diabetes, you should look out for the signs of an infection in your foot. If any appear, you should contact their doctor immediately. Signs and symptoms include pus, redness, increasing pain, and warm skin.

Diabetes also causes changes to the skin of the foot. People with diabetes may notice that their feet are extremely dry, and the skin may start to peel and crack. The nerves that control the oil and moisture in the feet stop working, leading to overly dry skin.

If you have diabetes, there are things that you can do to ensure the health of your feet. Daily foot care as well as controlling blood sugar levels is essential not only for the feet but overall health.

1. Check the feet daily. The feet should be carefully examined for any potential sores, blisters, cuts, scrapes, bruises or anything else abnormal.
2. Wash the feet. Lukewarm water and mild soap are recommended. Over-soaking is not recommended because it can dry out your skin.
3. Dry the feet. Special attention should be given to the area in between the toes. Excess moisture between the toes is a breeding ground for fungus.
4. Moisturise the feet all over. A moisturising lotion can help keep the skin from drying out so quickly. Do not put moisturiser between the toes.
5. Always make sure to wear properly fitting shoes and socks. Shoes that are too tight can make pressure points on the feet that can eventually break down and lead to additional problems.

Use an emery board to file rough edges, and a pumice stone to help get rid of calluses. You should never burst blisters or pick at sores and it is important to keep toenails regularly trimmed and see a doctor if an ingrown toenail develops.

Have you ever been advised of this health tip?