Which statement is not correct regarding diabetic foot care?

Which statement is not correct regarding diabetic foot care?

• 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: (B)

Preserving skin integrity and preventing infection is the guiding aim in diabetic foot care. In cleansing, use a mild soap with warm water and dry the feet gently to avoid micro-tears that can invite infection. Trimming toenails straight across helps prevent ingrown nails, which can become portals for bacteria. Moisturize dry skin with a gentle emollient like lanolin to prevent fissures, especially on the heels, but avoid creating moisture between the toes where dampness can promote maceration or fungal issues. Soaking feet in hot water is not advised because heat can burn damaged skin and weaken its barrier, increasing infection risk. The statement that strong soap should be used to decrease skin bacteria is not correct because strong soaps dry and irritate the skin, compromising its protective barrier.

Preserving skin integrity and preventing infection is the guiding aim in diabetic foot care. In cleansing, use a mild soap with warm water and dry the feet gently to avoid micro-tears that can invite infection. Trimming toenails straight across helps prevent ingrown nails, which can become portals for bacteria. Moisturize dry skin with a gentle emollient like lanolin to prevent fissures, especially on the heels, but avoid creating moisture between the toes where dampness can promote maceration or fungal issues. Soaking feet in hot water is not advised because heat can burn damaged skin and weaken its barrier, increasing infection risk. The statement that strong soap should be used to decrease skin bacteria is not correct because strong soaps dry and irritate the skin, compromising its protective barrier.