Diabetes and Epsom Salt: Potential Complications and Guidelines
For individuals living with diabetes, maintaining good foot health is crucial due to the increased risk of complications. Common problems such as wounds and dry skin, caused by nerve damage and poor blood flow, can lead to more severe issues if not properly cared for.
One practice that may seem harmless but could potentially exacerbate these issues is soaking the feet. Diabetes often leads to reduced sensation in the feet, meaning individuals may not properly sense water temperature, risking burns or injuries. Furthermore, soaking can cause the skin to weaken and macerate (become overly soft and fragile), increasing the risk of infection.
Soaking feet with open wounds or ulcers can facilitate bacterial spread and worsen infections, making it completely inadvisable in such cases. The warm, moist environment created by soaking can also promote fungal infections, common in people with diabetes, thereby hindering recovery.
Even for those without open sores, routine or prolonged foot soaking is not safe. The skin can become dry and cracked, providing an entry point for germs. In addition, the mineral compound Epsom salt, often used as a home remedy for various health issues, is not recommended for people with diabetes due to a lack of supporting evidence for its benefits.
However, if foot soaks are desired for issues like hard skin, they should be done cautiously, ideally under professional guidance from a podiatrist who can help prevent complications. If a foot soak is used, water temperature should always be tested with hands first and feet should be dried thoroughly, especially between toes, to prevent moisture retention.
In summary, routine or prolonged foot soaking is not safe for people with diabetes due to the increased risks of skin breakdown, infection, and injury. Careful foot hygiene, drying, moisturizing, and regular checks for wounds are safer and more effective foot care practices for people living with diabetes.
People with diabetes can take other measures to care for their feet, including daily foot care, effective management of blood sugar levels, and choosing suitable footwear. Poor circulation, a condition known as peripheral artery disease, reduces the ability of the body to fight infection and heal wounds, making it even more important for individuals with diabetes to prioritise foot health.
- For individuals experiencing type-2 diabetes, it's essential to manage chronic medical-conditions like obesity, as it can further complicate foot health issues.
- The deterioration of nerves (neuropathy) in diabetes can lead to numbness, increasing the risk of undetected injuries, making sclerosis a significant concern.
- In addition to diabetes, other chronic diseases like atopic dermatitis can intensify foot health problems, causing inflammation and dry skin.
- To predict future health issues, regular medical-conditions screenings are crucial for individuals living with diabetes, including monitoring for type-2 diabetes and other related complications.
- It's not just diabetes that requires special attention - chronic diseases such as NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), and bipolar disorder can also affect foot health.
- To maintain foot health, opt for therapies and treatments that cater to diabetic foot care, focusing on dry skin management and preventing infections.
- Science has shown that adopting a healthy lifestyle can help manage type-2 diabetes and its related health-and-wellness issues, including proper diet, regular exercise, and stress management.
- The degradation of the macula (a part of the eye) is a concern for people with diabetes, increasing the risk of vision loss and macular degeneration.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, chronic diseases like hepatitis and multiple sclerosis can also impact foot health, requiring careful attention to prevent complications.
- The GLP-1 receptor agonists, a popular treatment for type-2 diabetes, have shown potential in promoting foot health by improving circulation and wound healing.
- AQ (air quality) is an important factor in maintaining foot health, as poor air quality can exacerbate skin conditions like dry skin and dermatitis.
- In the realm of medical-conditions, it's essential to prioritize preventive care for managing chronic diseases and maintaining overall health, including foot health.
