In diabetics, along with the fluctuating blood sugar level, many other health issues are common to occur. One of these problems which accompany the consequences of long-term diabetes is the issue of dry, patchy, and painful skin, particularly affecting the feet. Let us take a look at the causes of this extreme dryness along with some recommendations to treat them.
What is the use of foot cream for diabetics?
In patients affected with diabetes, elevated blood glucose level (BGL) is a common occurrence. This results in the vasoconstriction of the blood vessels especially affecting those which supply blood to the extremities. As a result, as the lesser blood reaches the feet, the lessened amount of moisture its skin has thus causing dehydrated, dry, and patchy skin. The following clinically identified conditions can be developed due to this constantly diminished supply of blood:
- Atopic dermatitis or eczema i.e. non-contagious chronic dry skin condition
- Ichthyosis i.e. Severe dry skin disease which can progress to the internal organs
- Psoriasis i.e. Skin condition is indicated by the appearance of flaky patches
- Pruritus i.e. Itching
- Xerosis i.e. Severely dry skin
To relieve these conditions, the following products can be recommended by the physician or the pharmacist:
1. TriDerma diabetes foot defense cream
The TriDerma foot cream for diabetic patients is one of the best dermatologically tested products that can be used on cracked, patchy, painful, itchy, and extremely dry skin. It is a non-greasy composition owing to its aqueous base with no added fragrances. Moreover, chemical agents such as shea butter, along with the added vitamins, help moisturize the skin to give it a long-lasting smoothness. Its activity against the bacteria inhabiting the damaged skin helps repair the area even faster. The only limitation of the product is its higher price as compared to the other foot creams which render it far from the access of patients despite being the best moisturizer for diabetics.
TriDerma Diabetes Foot Defense Cream
2. Borage DiabetiCare foot cream
Another great option for the treatment of dry skin on the feet in diabetic patients is the over-the-counter Borage DiabetiCare cream. It contains the extracted oil from the seeds of the borage plant which is high in gamma-linolenic acid or GLA with further enrichment with Omega-6 fatty acids. Well-known ingredients like glycerine, shea butter, jojoba oil, safflower seed oil, and Aloe Vera gel, among others, help soothe the damaged skin by providing the required moisture after deeply penetrating into the affected area. It finds extensive as well as effective applications in cases where the cracked skin is causing pain and extreme discomfort to the patient. Although the price of this product is high, its utility exceeds its cons.
Borage DiabetiCare foot cream
3. Gold Bond ultimate lotion for the diabetics
The Gold Bond ultimate diabetic lotion is one of the best diabetic lotions which are manufactured to act as emollients i.e. it is a non-greasy product particularly designed to smoothen dry and damaged skin. It can be applied to the skin to soothe it as well as to provide it with hydration as a replacement for lost moisture. The Gold Bond lotion also contains Hydralast as a vital ingredient which is an approved mixture of different humectants (i.e. moisture imparting agents) and emollients (i.e. topical soothing agents) that works 24/7 to keep the skin hydrated. Furthermore, the added vitamin E works to minimize the loss of moisture from the skin. Vitamin E is also responsible for keeping the body immune. Moreover, along with all these benefits, the Gold Bond ultimate lotion for diabetics is very affordable. This makes it the best lotion for diabetics’ skin.
Gold Bond ultimate diabetic dry skin lotion
4. Eucerin Original Healing
The Eucerin original healing is a dye and fragrance-free skin care product for diabetics. It is non-comedogenic in nature which means that the product, upon use, will not close the pores on the skin. Another plus factor with Eucerin healing products is that they are available in both lotion and cream form and are suitable for severely dry skin. The Eucerin healing skin care products carry a lesser number of ingredients as compared to the other diabetic skincare options which makes them even cleaner and more reliable. However, the soothing effect they produce equals that claimed by the other lotions and creams designed and manufactured for diabetic patients.
Eucerin Original healing
5. Foot Miracle therapeutic cream
The Foot Miracle therapeutic cream has been rated as one of the top skin care products for diabetics in the year 2021. It is an over-the-counter product intended to be used on the skin with calluses and rough patches. The Foot Miracle cream works by moisturizing the cracked areas of the skin to relieve the pain and discomfort. The product is particularly useful on the skin of the heels, knees, and elbows. Moreover, it can also help in improving the damaged nails due to diabetes. Being loaded with water as a base, it is a richly hydrating non-greasy pharmaceutical product. However, the only demerit that the product may have is the added chemical substances for fragrance which may not be the ideal ingredient in some cases. Its lower price as compared to the other skincare options has rendered it a product of choice for patients.
Foot Miracle therapeutic cream
Conclusion
With diabetes, the patient faces multiple challenges. Among these is the appearance of painful patches on the skin which render it extremely dry and flaky. Thanks to the constantly improving pharmaceutical industries, many skincare products are nowadays being manufactured especially for diabetics intended to moisturize this dry skin. In this article, some of the best skincare products have been compiled with the aim to give the readers an idea about the best formulations available in the market in 2023 for them to choose from.
