Diabetic Foot Creams: How to Choose the Right Moisturiser
Diabetic Foot Creams: Choosing a Moisturiser for Dry Feet
Dry skin on the feet can be particularly important to manage when you have diabetes. Regular moisturising can help keep the skin soft and comfortable and reduce excessive dryness, cracking and flaking.
However, choosing a foot cream when you have diabetes isn't simply about finding the strongest moisturiser available. It's also important to understand where to apply it, which ingredients may be useful and when a change in your feet should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
In this guide, we look at what to consider when choosing a foot cream for diabetic feet and some of the products available for dry and sensitive skin.
Why Is Foot Moisturising Important for People With Diabetes?
Diabetes can be associated with changes in circulation and sensation in the feet, and some people also experience particularly dry skin.
When skin becomes excessively dry, it can become rough, flaky or cracked. Regular use of a suitable moisturiser can help maintain the skin's moisture and keep dry areas softer and more comfortable.
Moisturising is only one part of diabetic foot care. Regularly checking your feet for cuts, blisters, cracks, redness, swelling or other changes is also important.
What Should You Look for in a Diabetic Foot Cream?
There isn't necessarily one cream that is best for everyone with diabetes.
A good starting point is a moisturiser that is appropriate for the degree of dryness and comfortable enough that you'll use it regularly.
Useful ingredients can include urea and other moisturising or emollient ingredients that help hydrate and soften dry skin.
For very dry or thickened skin, a higher-strength formulation may sometimes be appropriate. However, stronger isn't automatically better, particularly if your skin is sensitive or damaged.
Is Urea Cream Suitable for Diabetic Feet?
Urea is commonly used in foot creams because of its ability to moisturise and soften dry skin.
The effect varies with concentration. Lower concentrations are generally used primarily for hydration, while higher concentrations have a stronger softening and keratolytic effect on thickened skin.
If you have diabetes and significant callous, cracked skin or other skin changes, it is sensible to discuss these with your podiatrist or healthcare professional rather than simply moving to an increasingly strong urea cream.
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Where Should You Apply Foot Cream?
Apply moisturiser to areas of dry skin on the feet, particularly around the heels, soles and other dry areas, according to the directions for the individual product.
Avoid applying moisturiser between the toes unless specifically advised to do so. Excess moisture between the toes can create an overly moist environment.
After applying cream, allow it to absorb before putting on socks or footwear.
Our Foot Creams Suitable for People With Diabetes
Callusan Foot Foam
Callusan has a formulation specifically developed for the care of dry and sensitive skin associated with diabetic foot care.
Its mousse format is particularly useful for people who prefer a lightweight product that is easy to spread over the feet.
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GEHWOL Blue
GEHWOL Blue is a moisturising foot cream formulated for dry, rough and tired feet. Its formulation includes ingredients such as lanolin, aloe vera and urea to help care for dry skin.
It can be another option for people looking for a regular moisturising foot cream that the manufacturer identifies as suitable for people with diabetes.
Enovia Foot Moisturising Cream
Enovia Moisturising Foot Therapy Cream is designed for dry, rough and cracked skin and can be used on areas such as the feet, heels, elbows, fingertips and knees.
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Should You Put Foot Cream Between Your Toes?
Generally, moisturiser is applied to dry areas of the feet but not between the toes.
The skin between the toes doesn't usually require the same moisturising treatment, and keeping these spaces excessively moist can contribute to skin becoming soft or macerated.
If you have particularly dry or abnormal skin between your toes, have it assessed rather than automatically applying additional moisturiser.
What About Cracked Heels?
Dry, cracked heels can benefit from regular moisturising, but people with diabetes should pay particular attention to cracks that are deep, painful, bleeding or not healing.
Don't attempt aggressive removal of hard skin yourself with blades or other sharp instruments.
If you're concerned about a crack, callus or other area of damaged skin, have it assessed by a podiatrist or other appropriate healthcare professional.
A Simple Daily Diabetic Foot Care Routine
Along with moisturising dry skin, a simple routine can include:
checking your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or skin changes washing and carefully drying your feet, particularly between the toes applying moisturiser to dry areas, avoiding between the toes wearing comfortable, well-fitting socks and footwear checking inside shoes before putting them on seeking professional advice for wounds, significant cracks, unusual colour changes or other concerning changes
When Should You Seek Professional Advice?
If you have diabetes, don't rely on a foot cream to manage any unexplained changes in your feet.
Seek prompt professional advice if you notice a cut or wound that isn't healing, broken or infected-looking skin, increasing redness or swelling, unusual colour or temperature changes, or a new area that is painful.
People with reduced sensation may not always feel a developing problem, which is one reason regular visual foot checks are important.
Choosing the Right Foot Cream
The best foot cream will depend on your skin.
For mildly dry skin, a regular moisturising cream may be sufficient. Very dry, rough or thickened skin may require a more intensive formulation. If you're unsure which product is appropriate — particularly if you have diabetes-related foot complications — speak with your podiatrist or healthcare professional.
You can also browse our foot creams suitable for people with diabetes to compare available formulations.
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