Diabetes and common foot problems.
Certain common foot problems, although they are not complications of diabetes  themselves, when they coexist with the disease can lead to ulceration which may be proved a very serious problem. Because of the reduced sensation in pain due to diabetic neuropathy and poor blood circulation, such ulcers can remain unnoticed and get infected. If they are not treated in time, may result in dramatic complications, like osteitis, osteomyelitis, gangrene and amputation. For more details you can check the Diabetes and Foot Care page on this site.
Because of the seriousness of the consequences that common foot problems can lead to, we believe that it would be very useful and safe for you to know what these problems might be. In other words, if you suffer from diabetes and you present any of the following foot problems, you have to consult your healthcare provider. Even if you are unsure, whether a simple sore or a minor cut is a potential trouble or not, seek for advice as soon as possible.
Below we are mentioning the most common foot problems you have to be alert about. A brief description is given for each of them, so you will be able to recognize it in time and ask for help.
The small banner in the right column of this page will help you to find exceptional foot health aids, if you need them.
 Chilblains. They occur as an aftermath of the prolonged exposure to cold and humidity at the same time. Sudden heat and exposure to sunlight following the cold shock may trigger or worsen chilblains. Blood leaks out of the vessels and the affected area feels itchy, burning, tender or painful, inflamed, swollen and after a few days it can get dark, like being bruised. The skin may get cracked and ulcerated. The risk for infection is high.
Toes, heels and fingers are the most commonly affected parts of the body. Chilblains may last from a few days to three or four months and quite often the
response to therapeutical treatment is poor. Topical corticosteroids and topical or systemic antibiotics are the typical medications that are prescribed.
Corns and calluses. These are nothing more than a normal and healthy reaction of the skin to regular pressure. Corns and calluses also are referred to as hyperkeratosis and they typically coexist in the very same formation. Usually a callus surrounds the corn which is a thick accumulation of dead cells. Although corns and calluses can occur in any part of our body, they commonly appear on the sole of the foot or toes, especially on the small one. Uncomfortable or too tight shoes are the typical causes for corns and calluses. If the pressure eases or stops, the problem settles down. Otherwise, a corn or a callus progressively gets larger and painful in pressure. Due to inappropriate personal treatment or excessive friction, corns and calluses may get ulcerated and infected.
Soft-leathered or therapeutical shoes and soft special layers can be useful in treatment of corns and calluses.
Cracked heels. This common foot problem is also referred to as heel fissures. Cracked heels can occur as complication of certain conditions, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, dry skin, plantar keratoderma, hypothyroidism and diabetes. Excessive body weight and daily long standing can cause cracked heels due to the prolonged and persisting pressure on the back plantar area. At the first stage, the skin around the edge of the heel gets thick, very dry and cracked. Progressively, the situation worsens, as the cracks get deeper. The latest make the affected area very painful, when the person stands or walks. The advanced clinical stage may involve bleeding and immobility, especially if the person is overweight. Cracked heels can get infected and lead to cellulites.
Means that can help in prevention or treatment of cracked heels include special soft layers, foot skin care preparations, moisturizers, like Atopalm MLE body lotion and foot health aids. You can find the latest online, if you use the small banner in the right column of this page. For the other therapeutic aids, try the relevant links above.
Antibiotics are needed, if the affected area gets infected. 
Plantar pustulosis. This is a form of pustular psoriasis that affects the lowest part of the foot. Studies have given evidence that smokers are more susceptible to the condition. Plantar Pustulosis can coexist with eczema, plaque psoriasis and a fungal infection called tinea pedis. In severe cases, the skin may crack and this, in turn, increases the risk for a secondary infection. As it happens with any type of psoriasis, phototherapy and topical or systemic treatment are the therapeutical means for the condition.
Blisters. A blister is a small bubble on the surface of the skin filled with watery fluid. Blisters are typically caused due to burning or excessive friction and they are the second most common foot problems. Comfortable shoes and socks will prevent blisters, which are not a pathological entity. Therapeutical shoes and soft special layers can help in prevention of blisters. Two things may happen after the occurrence of a blister; the contained fluid to be reabsorbed or the blister to burst out. If the latest happens, regular care of the affected area is required, in order any infection to be avoided. Very good hygiene and topical antiseptics will help to that direction.
Pompholyx. This is a clinical form of eczema and it is also described as vesicular or dyshidrotic eczema. Pompholyx involves the formation of numerous small blisters which produce a burning and itchy sensation. In severe cases the skin may get cracked. If that happens, there is a great risk for infection. The usual therapeutic schemes for eczema treatment are applied for pompholyx, as well.
Ingrown toenails.  This is a very painful and sometimes a recurrent foot problem. At an early stage, the lateral edges of the nail insert the flesh of the toe progressively and cause inflammation. The problem can involve one or both sides of the nail. Ingrown toenail is more common in big toes. The affected area can get infected quite easily. If that happens, the toe gets very sore, the pain is intense and throbbing and small drops of pus next to the edge of the nail appear, if the area is pressed.
Uncomfortable shoes, fungal infections and nails not been cut and trimmed properly are the most common causes for ingrown toenails.
Before the surgical removal of the nail is decided, a podiatrist will determine, whether other therapeutical means will be beneficial or not.
Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis. This is a condition caused by a fungal infection and the responsible fungus is classified in the dermatophytes. The latest are microscopic parasites that thrive on the skin. The most typical areas that the problem occurs are in between the toes. Athlete’s foot is considered the most common foot problem. Warm and humidity are perfect conditions for this to develop. People that wear the same socks for more than one day or others with inadequate blood circulation in feet or excessive perspiration are at risk for getting tinea pedis. The condition is contagious and the fungus can be transmitted from one person to another with the use of the same towel.
The skin may get red, itchy and scaly. Circular patches of dry skin, pustules and blisters can occur. If the two latest burst out or the skin itself cracks, a secondary bacterial infection may occur.
Warts. Warts are prominent formations of the skin. The latest can be single or they may be appear in colonies. Warts occur due to a viral infection. The pathogenic strain is called Human Papillomavirus. The condition is contagious and can be transferred with a towel used by more than one people. Although warts are not dangerous, if they are present on the foot and become large, they may be ulcerated because of the friction against the shoe and get infected. A dermatologist will decide, whether cryotherapy, electrosurgery or chemical treatment is the best therapeutical option.
Hammer toes. This is a condition in which one or more toes get bended permanently. This happens due to inappropriate function of the relevant muscles and tendons. This deformity is progressive and as the toe gets very bended, the skin at the top rubs on the shoe. This may result in callus and potential ulceration. If the latest is neglected, the infection will be inevitable. In order such complications to be prevented, special therapeutical shoes and foot health aids can be used. Try the previous link or the small banner in the right column of this page respectively to find such helpful products online.
Surgical treatment may be considered, if the problem is in advanced state.
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