Protecting Skin From Calluses and Digital Sclerosis

Posted by Tukimin  |  at  12:11 AM No comments

Often elderly individuals with diabetes will experience breakdown and compromised skin integrity. Calluses and digital sclerosis often occur, this is when the skin becomes thick, waxy and tight. In order to maintain good skin health, steps need to be taken to prevent calluses and digital sclerosis from forming, and to treat skin that may be at risk for developing these skin problems.

Calluses and digital sclerosis often happen in the toes and fingers. Let's take a look at what leads to their formation, and how to protect skin from this.

Calluses usually occur on the underside of hands and feet, and are often caused by uneven distribution of weight, or use. This means they will most commonly be seen under the forefoot or heal. Sometimes the best way to avoid calluses is to get footwear that fits properly. Digital sclerosis, is a condition where the skin on the toes, fingers and hands become thick, waxy and tight.

How can you protect against calluses and digital sclerosis if you are diabetic? The simplest solution is to clean and moisturize the at risk skin daily, as well as take precautionary steps in your lifestyle to protect the sensitive skin. Let's get specific:

1. Clean skin regularly with a no-rinse cleansing foam. Do not soak the feet, as this can lead to dryness, cracking, and further skin problems. And be careful not to use too hot of water. Instead, use a specially formulated cleanser that helps restore the skin's natural pH, and does not require rinsing.

2. Moisturize skin daily to help keep skin pliable and prevent cracking, bleeding or infection. A daily moisture treatment is a great option, but talk to your health care professional for their recommendation.

3. Wear proper fitting shoes. This prevents blisters, calluses caused by friction, and other skin breakdown.

4. Use a pumice stone after showering or bathing to gently remove skin build-up. Only go one way, and be careful.

5. Wear cushioned pads and insoles.

6. If calluses occur frequently, consider medication to help soften calluses. Do not try to cut them off.

7. Eat a healthy diet where blood glucose levels are controlled. In other words, manage your diabetes. This requires good nutrition, exercise, and in some cases medication. Check your blood glucose levels regularly, and keep it within the range recommended by a physician.

8. Check your skin daily, particularly the feet, and watch out for sores, blisters, redness, and other problems. This is an indicator of decreased blood flow, and needs to be remedied.

9. Check your toenails once a week. Keep nails trimmed and straight, rounded corners can lead to ingrown nails, and further skin problems.

10. Many individuals with diabetes have decreased sensation in their feet, thus it is important to always wear socks, and closed toed shoes, and not walk barefoot, even at home. Good foot protection is important.

11. Put your feet up when sitting, wiggle toes, and move ankles to improve blood flow to your feet. Do not cross your ankles or legs.

12. If you smoke, stop smoking as it can make blood flow problems worse.

13. Talk to your healthcare professional at each visit about your skin health, and what more you can do to improve it.