Summer can be tough on everyone’s feet — but for people with diabetes, hot weather poses added challenges. Heat, sweat, dehydration, and open footwear can all worsen dry skin, especially on the heels and soles. Without the right care, dry skin can crack and become vulnerable to infection, especially if your circulation or nerve sensitivity is reduced.

This guide offers clear, practical tips to help people with diabetes protect their feet during the summer months — whether you're walking barefoot at the beach, wearing sandals, or just trying to stay cool. We’ll also introduce SkinIntegra Rapid Crack Repair Cream, a clinically proven solution trusted by podiatrists.

Why Summer is Tough on Diabetic Feet

When the temperature rises, the skin on your feet can become even more prone to dryness and cracking. Here’s why summer makes foot care more critical for people with diabetes:

• Increased sweating → leads to moisture loss and salt buildup, which can dry out the skin.

• Open shoes or sandals → expose your feet to friction, sun, dirt, and dryness.

• Barefoot walking → raises the risk of skin damage, especially if you have reduced sensation (neuropathy).

• Dehydration → can worsen skin dryness from the inside out.

• More walking/activity → increases pressure on heels and calluses, often leading to fissures (cracks).

If you have diabetes, these factors can raise your risk of foot injury or infection. That’s why prevention — through hydration, moisturizing, and skin barrier support — is so important.

Summer Foot Care Tips for People with Diabetes

1. Inspect Your Feet Daily

Check your feet every evening for:

• Dry patches, cracks, or peeling

• Blisters or redness from sandals

• New calluses or areas of thick skin

• Cuts or wounds you may not feel due to neuropathy

Use a mirror or ask a loved one if needed. Early detection is key.

2. Moisturize — But Choose the Right Product

Not all creams are created equal. You need a moisturizer that:

• Softens rough skin without irritating it

• Strengthens the skin barrier

• Is safe for diabetic and sensitive skin Avoid greasy petroleum-based ointments or creams with harsh acids unless prescribed. Choose fast-absorbing, urea-based products that hydrate and repair.

Pro Tip: Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or washing your feet to lock in moisture.

3. Stay Hydrated from the Inside Out

Drink water regularly, especially in heat. Dehydration makes skin dryness worse and slows skin repair. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day, or more in high heat or when active.

4. Choose Protective Footwear

• Avoid flip-flops or sandals with thin soles that cause pressure and friction.

• Pick breathable, closed-toe shoes or sandals with cushioning and arch support.

• Break in new shoes gradually to prevent blisters.

Note: Never walk barefoot outdoors — even on the beach or at the pool.

5. Keep Feet Clean and Dry

Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap. Gently pat them dry, especially between the toes. Moisture trapped between toes can lead to fungal infections.

6. Manage Calluses Carefully

Calluses are more likely to crack in summer. Don’t use razors or sharp tools at home — see a podiatrist instead. For maintenance, use a urea-based moisturizer to soften the area.

7. Protect Feet from the Sun

Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to the tops of your feet if they’ll be exposed. Sunburn adds dryness and increases the risk of cracking.

8. Use a Clinically Proven Skin Repair Cream

SkinIntegra: Balancing Exfoliation and Barrier Repair for Cracked Diabetic Feet

For people with diabetes, managing dry, cracked feet isn’t just about adding moisture — it’s about restoring the skin barrier while gently exfoliating thickened areas. That balance is essential: exfoliation helps reduce calluses that can crack under pressure, while barrier support strengthens the skin’s defenses to prevent further damage.

SkinIntegra® Rapid Crack Repair Cream is uniquely designed to do both:

• 25% urea and lactic acid delivers gentle, non-irritating exfoliation to soften rough skin and reduce calluses

• Barrier-boosting ingredients (like plant-based emollients and essential fatty acids) support the skin’s natural ability to heal

• Clinically proven to improve cracked skin in just 1 day and significantly soothe irritated skin in 2 days

• Non-greasy and fast-absorbing, making it easy to use daily without mess

• Safe for diabetic and sensitive skin, and accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)

This dual-action approach makes SkinIntegra an ideal summer companion for people with diabetes looking to stay active, mobile, and comfortable.

Shop SkinIntegra Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What’s the best way to treat cracked heels if I have diabetes?

Use a non-irritating, clinically tested cream with urea and barrier-repair ingredients. Avoid self-treating with sharp tools. Protect your feet with socks and shoes that reduce pressure.

Q: Should I wear sandals if I have diabetes?

Supportive sandals may be okay if they cover your toes, fit well, and don’t rub. Avoid flip-flops or going barefoot — they increase the risk of injury and infection.

Q: Can I go swimming with dry, cracked feet?

Yes, but rinse and dry your feet thoroughly afterward. Moisturize with a product like SkinIntegra to repair chlorine-damaged skin and prevent cracks from worsening.

Final Thoughts

Summer should be a time of freedom, not foot problems. If you have diabetes, dry and cracked feet can become more than just a nuisance — they can lead to serious complications. But with the right routine and the help of targeted products like SkinIntegra, you can enjoy the season with confidence.

Take a few extra steps each day to check your feet, hydrate, and protect your skin. Your future self will thank you.

Shop SkinIntegra Rapid Crack Repair Cream
Trusted by podiatrists. Loved by patients. Clinically proven to work.
Buy Now