Combating Cracked Heels and Understanding the Risks for Diabetic Feet

Cracked heels and dry feet are common among many individuals for an array of reasons. For those with diabetes, however, this can lead to more serious issues. If left untreated, cracked heels can cause further complications for diabetic feet, such as a diabetes foot infection or a diabetic foot ulcer which can pose serious health risks.

Diabetic individuals often have poor circulation, and some experience nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy, which means they may not be able to feel sensations in their feet like others do. This can lead to a lack of awareness when it comes to cracked heels, which may go unnoticed and untreated for long periods. Diabetic skin is also more prone to dryness and cracking, and even minor skin cracking on the feet can quickly become infected due to bacteria and fungi.

A scientifically-proven skin repair solution is, therefore, required to ensure that diabetic skin conditions like cracked heels and dry skin don't lead to further complications. In this blog article, we'll go over the most common signs of diabetic feet, when to seek medical attention for itchy feet, cracked heels, and diabetic toes, as well as provide our best recommendations on how to treat dry, cracked diabetic feet with a cracked skin moisturizer that's been formulated to ensure that people with diabetes can keep their skin barrier healthy and cracked heels at bay.

What are the Most Common Signs of Diabetic Feet?

1. Cracked Heels: Dry and cracked heels can often be an early warning sign of diabetes, as diabetic skin is more prone to dryness and cracking. If untreated, the most typical outcome of cracked heels is a deep fissure in the skin, along with redness, itching, and inflammation.

2. Itchy Feet: Itchy skin or tingling feet is another common symptom that can indicate a potential problem, as nerve damage associated with diabetes can cause itching in the affected area. Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness in the feet and limbs, so it is essential to be aware of any new sensations in your feet, including a temperature change.

3. Discoloration: Changes in skin color, such as yellowing or redness, are also signs of diabetic feet that should be addressed as soon as possible. Dry skin patches that are discolored and hardened should also be brought to the attention of your doctor.

4. Ulcerated toes or open wounds: This can be caused by infection or poor circulation in people with diabetes. Foot ulcers are more common in people with severe diabetic foot problems. If you notice any open sores on your toes, you'll need to perform proper wound care to ensure you don't get a foot infection from open foot ulcers.

When Should I Be Worried About Cracked Heels?

Experiencing dry feet from diabetes is relatively common among the diabetic foot problems you may encounter. This should not be a cause for significant concern unless your dry skin becomes cracked, starts to bleed, or you experience severe symptoms. If you notice that your cracked heels are causing serious discomfort or not healing with regular use of a scientifically formulated dry skin cream, you should seek medical attention. A diabetic foot ulcer will usually start with a callus, which often occurs due to neuropathy. Trauma to the callus results in damage to the subcutaneous tissue (the deepest layer of skin) and can lead to an open wound or foot ulcer. It's important not to attempt to remove the callus by yourself as this might lead to further damage to your foot. Your podiatrist or doctor should be able to diagnose the severity of your condition and create a custom treatment plan accordingly. 

You should also schedule regular check-ups with your doctor to examine your feet and take extreme care when cutting toenails and performing foot hygiene to prevent injury to the skin. Thick, yellow toenails are also a common sign of diabetes and should be brought to your doctor's attention. If your cracked heels are bleeding or blistering, this can be a sign of a diabetes foot infection, and you should consult with your healthcare professional to establish if you indeed have a foot infection and how to treat it correctly. 

How to Treat Dry, Cracked Diabetic Feet Effectively.

Using a superior quality, lab-tested dry skin moisturizer for diabetic feet is the first line of defense when preventing and treating dry feet. A skin repair cream that's specifically designed for those with diabetes and severely cracked heels should be formulated with natural ingredients that help to repair your skin barrier and replenish lipids so that the skin remains healthy and hydrated. Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin and, simply put, helps to keep moisture in and germs out. A strong and healthy skin barrier can help defend against infection and prevent further cracking and dryness. Lipids are the fatty acids that help to lubricate and protect the skin, making them essential for maintaining the health of diabetic feet. 

A cracked skin repair cream containing natural lipids formulated to help restore and protect the skin barrier is essential for any diabetic skincare routine, as diabetic skin is particularly vulnerable to dryness, cracking, and infection. To be safe and effective for sensitive skin, your cracked skin moisturizer should be free of dyes, fragrances, and irritants. Additionally, look for moisturizers that are hypoallergenic (meaning they are safe to use on compromised skin). With the right ingredients and product formulation, you can focus on skin repair and protect diabetic feet from further damage.

Why It's Essential for Diabetics to Take Care of Dry, Cracked Heels.

Diabetic skin problems can become severe and even life-threatening if not properly managed. Dry, cracked heels can lead to a foot infection or foot ulcers, which can be challenging to treat and even lead to amputation in severe cases. However, you can take several proactive steps to prevent and manage diabetic skin problems, so severe measures such as amputation are not required.

15% to 25% of individuals with diabetes will develop a diabetic foot ulcer in their lifetime. While diabetic foot ulcers are more prevalent in those over 45 years old, they can still occur in younger people with diabetes, so using a diabetic skin cream approved by physicians should be part of your daily routine. Taking the time to properly moisturize and protect your feet with a natural skin repair cream can help prevent infection and keep your skin barrier strong and healthy.

A Fast Acting Skin Repair Solution for Diabetic Feet

Can diabetes cause skin problems such as diabetic skin disease? The answer is, unfortunately, a resounding yes. But, as we've said before, you can take several steps to prevent and manage diabetic feet so you can live optimally and enjoy your life to the fullest.

SkinIntegra's Rapid Crack Repair Cream is scientifically formulated to work on even the most severely cracked and callused feet, making it the best skin cream for diabetics. 24 hours is all it takes for 100% of our customers to see an improvement, and after 14 days of regular use, almost all of our customers report a reduction in dryness, cracks, and pain. 

Our lab-tested, hypoallergenic formula combines natural, plant-based lipids with nourishing hydrators to help restore the skin barrier and seal in moisture. Formulated with keratolytic agents such as 25% urea and lactic acid, SkinIntegra's Rapid Crack Repair Cream works quickly to soften and hydrate calluses while providing a protective layer of lipids to help keep diabetic skin healthy. Urea is an ingredient that has been clinically proven to reduce calluses, while lactic acid helps to soften the skin and lock in moisture. Together, they provide a powerful, safe, and effective way to restore your skin barrier and replenish moisture. 

Our clinically proven skin repair solution for diabetic feet contains our proprietary Epi-Lipids® technology with natural lipids, vitamins, and essential nutrients from plant oils, giving your skin a potent dose of Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids. Omegas are known to help provide moisture, reduce inflammation, and defend against environmental aggressors, which is vital for diabetic feet that are prone to infection. In fact, SkinIntegra's cracked skin moisturizer contains natural ingredients that eliminate 99.99% of bacteria in less than a minute, giving you peace of mind that your feet are protected throughout the day. The best part is that our commitment to safe skincare means that our Rapid Crack Repair Cream is also free of fragrance, alcohol, dyes, phthalates, petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin, and steroids, so you can be sure that it won't cause further irritation or skin sensitivity.