is it safe to use water proof socks for a 70 yrs old diabetic person? suggest a good cream too?
There are 2 suggestions to question “is it safe to use water proof socks for a 70 yrs old diabetic person? suggest a good cream too?”
No!
Why on earth would you want to use waterproof socks? They would cause athletes foot and other problems. Feet need to have good air circulation and good blood flow. You need diabetic socks in either cotton or wool or a good blend. Some diabetic socks have copper or silver in them to help prevent athletes foot and other infections, but water proof socks would make things worse, not better.
Diabetic socks have loose tops so they don’t interfere with circulation, and they have smooth toes that don’t rub and cause blisters. They are usually either a natural fiber, or a moisture wicking synthetic fiber. The whole point is to keep the feet dry by releasing moisture, not trapping it.
Any good skin cream can be used on the top and bottom and heel of the foot, but never put cream between the toes, as it encourages athlete’s foot, which can lead to infections. The only cream you can safely use between toes is one to prevent or treat athlete’s foot.
Powder is ok between clean toes, as it helps keep them dry.
Plain cotton socks are a better choice, to let the tissue stay healthy and avoid a fungal infection.
There are a lot of creams on the market. The important thing is to check the feet every day for
sores or injuries and use a good moisturizing cream after showering. Hope this helps.
No!
Why on earth would you want to use waterproof socks? They would cause athletes foot and other problems. Feet need to have good air circulation and good blood flow. You need diabetic socks in either cotton or wool or a good blend. Some diabetic socks have copper or silver in them to help prevent athletes foot and other infections, but water proof socks would make things worse, not better.
Diabetic socks have loose tops so they don’t interfere with circulation, and they have smooth toes that don’t rub and cause blisters. They are usually either a natural fiber, or a moisture wicking synthetic fiber. The whole point is to keep the feet dry by releasing moisture, not trapping it.
Any good skin cream can be used on the top and bottom and heel of the foot, but never put cream between the toes, as it encourages athlete’s foot, which can lead to infections. The only cream you can safely use between toes is one to prevent or treat athlete’s foot.
Powder is ok between clean toes, as it helps keep them dry.
Here is some good basic common sense for people with diabetes, on taking care of their feet
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/DM/pubs/complications_feet/
You can download a PDF here
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_feet/feet.pdf
more publications you can download and print off
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications/index.htm
you can order one copy free here
http://catalog.niddk.nih.gov/detail.cfm?ID=387&CH=NDIC
Plain cotton socks are a better choice, to let the tissue stay healthy and avoid a fungal infection.
There are a lot of creams on the market. The important thing is to check the feet every day for
sores or injuries and use a good moisturizing cream after showering. Hope this helps.