In a diabetic patient, which foot-care instruction is correct?

In a diabetic patient, which foot-care instruction is correct?

• A. The toenails should be cut straight across.
• B. Strong soap should be used to decrease skin bacteria.
• C. There is decreased risk of infection when feet are soaked in hot water.
• D. Lanolin should be applied to dry feet, especially the heels and between the toes.

Answer: (A)

In diabetes, protecting the feet from ulcers is crucial because neuropathy can dull sensation and poor blood flow impairs healing. Cutting toenails straight across prevents nails from growing into the skin, which can cause skin breakdown and become a route for infection. This simple nail-trimming rule minimizes the risk of ingrown nails and subsequent issues. Strong soap dries the skin and can crack it, so using a mild, non-irritating cleanser is preferable. Soaking feet in hot water can burn or macerate the skin and should be avoided, as extreme temperatures increase injury risk. Moisturizing should be done to dry areas, but moisture between the toes is undesirable, since it promotes fungal infections; applying moisturizer or lanolin between the toes is not advised.

In diabetes, protecting the feet from ulcers is crucial because neuropathy can dull sensation and poor blood flow impairs healing. Cutting toenails straight across prevents nails from growing into the skin, which can cause skin breakdown and become a route for infection. This simple nail-trimming rule minimizes the risk of ingrown nails and subsequent issues.

Strong soap dries the skin and can crack it, so using a mild, non-irritating cleanser is preferable. Soaking feet in hot water can burn or macerate the skin and should be avoided, as extreme temperatures increase injury risk. Moisturizing should be done to dry areas, but moisture between the toes is undesirable, since it promotes fungal infections; applying moisturizer or lanolin between the toes is not advised.