How do I Choose the Best Diabetic Foot Cream?

There are a few requirements to keep in mind when buying a diabetic foot cream, the most important ingredients to look for would be those that provide intensive moisturization and that help increase blood flow to the feet and toes. Urea and L-arginine HCL are two ingredients that are best known for their ability to soften rough skin and help improve blood circulation. Three other important ingredients to look for in a diabetic foot cream are, Retin-A also known as tretinoin, vitamin E and tea tree oil.

Retin-A is particularly effective in enhancing the healing of foot ulcers in those suffering from diabetes. Vitamin E acts as a preservative and also helps renew skin cells. This is important to ensure healthy skin and to promote healing. If the skin is able to heal as it should it helps prevent further infections or complications. Tea tree oil acts as a natural antibacterial and anti-fungal agent and can help prevent itchiness and discomfort from the yeast and bacterial infections to which diabetics are particularly vulnerable.

It is important to understand why keeping the skin moisturized and supple is so important when one suffers from diabetes. Abnormal increases in blood sugar levels cause decreased sensitivity in the feet, resulting in nerve damage. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy. Small cracks, foot wounds, or blisters can easily go unnoticed because of this condition. These injuries can worsen to form ulcers, or in extreme cases, lead to gangrene.

Decreased blood flow, or diabetic vasculopathy, is another condition diabetics have to deal with. This condition results in the hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels and leads to decreased circulation which, in turn, slows down healing. The skin and fatty tissue around the feet and toes help protect against infection and any untreated wound jeopardizes this protective barrier. Impaired healing affects the skin's ability to provide this vital form of protection.

Using a good diabetic foot cream should be a part of every diabetic's daily routine because it helps to keep the feet healthy and protect against injury due to cracked skin or infection. When using a diabetic foot cream, it is important to pay special attention to areas that tend to be dry, such as the soles and heels of the feet. Generally, rubbing or dabbing cream on the skin between the toes should be avoided as moisture in these areas could lead to complications. Keeping the feet clean, dry and well moisturized forms a vital part of a good foot care routine, and the use of a good diabetic foot cream ensures even greater protection.