Never Try To Cut A Callus Off Of Your Foot On Your Own
It is perfectly OK to use a gentle pumice stone or another tool to slough away dead or dry skin on your callus, but do not do anything too harsh to your foot. Many patients with diabetes develop unsightly calluses and try to cut them off, which is dangerous. Cutting away a callus can lead to an open wound on your foot that can be prone to infection and slow to heal. While doctors often cut layers of a callus off in a clinical setting, this treatment is done with great care and caution to avoid creating an open wound.
I Only Saw Light Peeling
The expectations: I had never heard of Baby Foot before, but once I found out it could get rid of my calluses, I was in. I have rough spots on the outside of my big toe, the ball, and heels of my feet due to the rubbing that comes with running and working out. Average pedicures arent harsh enough to remove the thick skin in these areas, so I hoped this would help.
The results: At first my skin hardened in the trouble areas, but it didnt really peel. One day I noticed some of the skin exfoliating and flaking off. But other than that, I only saw light peeling throughout the sides of my feet and minimal flaking on the topnothing drastic or alarming. It all happened over nine days and didnt really diminish my calluses or trouble areas. Emily Abbate
Why Is It Not Recommended For Pregnant Women
According to the Baby Foot website, the product should be avoided during pregnancy, lactation, or menstruation because during this period the skin becomes more sensitive due to the disruption of normal hormone balance. The product also contains at least one ingredient that can have devastating effects on fetal development: salicylic acid. Classified as a category C drug by the Food and Drug Administration , animal studies have linked salicylic acid and birth defects.
In terms of pregnancy and breastfeeding, the absorption of these products is very low through the skin, especially on the feet, Agarwal says. However, the other natural extracts could be supplements or vitamins that are not recommended for pregnant women, so I would advise anyone who is pregnant or nursing to avoid use.
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It Was Very Satisfying When Big Sheets Of Skin Came Off
The expectations: My beauty editor friend told me about it. She said you let your feet soak in these booties for an hour, and within a few days your dead skin comes off in sheets. Im looking forward to a really satisfying, post-pedicure result. Im hoping it will leave my feet smooth, soft, and less beaten for a longer period of time than if I had just used a foot cream.
The results: Before the peeling started, my feet were dry and rough. They started to slightly peel on day three but with a lot of help on my end . It didnt hurt, and I could hardly notice anything was happening unless I looked down and saw the pieces of skin everywhere. It wasnt as visible and drastic as I was expecting, but it was very satisfying when big sheets of skin came off. It kind of felt like I let a lot of Elmers glue dry on my feet and then I peeled it off.
My roommate did notice the pieces on the floor, but she didnt know what they were exactly. I was quick to vacuum them up before she could ask any more questions. All in all it took about two weeks for the whole process. It looks nasty at times but feels amazing. Most of the action happened around the thicker areas, like the bottoms of my feet, heels, and the sides. As a whole, my feet are much softer and the calluses are all gone. Id absolutely recommend this treatment to others. Elyse Roth
Additional reporting by Emily Rekstis.
What Are The Active Ingredients In Baby Foot
While Baby Foot‘s site doesn’t list ingredients aside from “16 types of natural extracts,” Ulta lists the first five ingredients: water, two types of solvent-acting alcohols, lactic acid, and glycolic acid.
Since the product is designed for feet, which usually have a thicker layer of skin, it is not a surprise that it contains a higher concentration of alpha hydroxy acids than ordinarily present in facial peels, says Sabina Wizemann, a senior chemist in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab. She explains that the ingredients are so effective due to the design of the product: It is also formulated as a gel, that when combined with the concealing effect of plastic booties adheres better to skin and prevents water loss. That means maximum product absorption.
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How Does A Foot Peel Work
Its all about a combination of acids thatll break down your dead skin, according to Chris G. Adigun, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic, lactic, citric and malic acids prevent the top layer of the epidermis from sticking together, she said. Beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid work to dissolve the adhesive holding thickened skin cells together.
Can Diabetics Use A Foot Peel
It’s common knowledge that diabetes is often associated with skin problems. From ensuring your skin is dry to looking for sores, diabetes takes a toll on your feet’ health.
To combat dry and rough skin, a variety of top brands introduced foot peels. The innovative solution boasts exfoliating properties that help rid your feet off of peeling and cracking skin. However, the plethora of different chemicals included in the peel makes people with diabetes wonder whether they should use it or not. Here we discuss what foot peels are and if diabetic people can utilize them:
Can Diabetics Use a Foot Peel at a Glance
Yes and no. Depending on the foot peel you choose, the foot peel can either soften your skin or worsen your skin condition.
Checking the label to read about the ingredients employed allows you to make an informed decision.
What is Foot Peel?
Foot peels, otherwise known as exfoliating socks, refer to state-of-the-art plastic socks boasting remarkable mixtures. These naturally break down your dead skin with time. In turn, it eliminates dead cells and calluses from your heel.
Typically, you slip your feet in the sock and wait for an hour as your feet absorb the solution. Then you remove them and throw the socks away.
What Does it Contain?
Brand to brand, your foot peel may contain a plethora of contrasting ingredients. Typically, foot peels claim to utilize nothing but natural products that promise visible and positive results.
How Does it Work?
A Cooling Cream
A Skin Balm
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When To See Your Doctor
If you experience any of these symptoms, dont wait for your next appointment. See your regular doctor or foot doctor right away:
- Pain in your legs or cramping in your buttocks, thighs, or calves during physical activity.
- Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet.
- Loss of sense of touch or ability to feel heat or cold very well.
- A change in the shape of your feet over time.
- Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.
- Dry, cracked skin on your feet.
- A change in the color and temperature of your feet.
- Thickened, yellow toenails.
- Fungus infections such as athletes foot between your toes.
- A blister, sore, ulcer, infected corn, or ingrown toenail.
Most people with diabetes can prevent serious foot complications. Regular care at home and going to all doctors appointments are your best bet for preventing foot problems .
Use Foot Soaks To Help Loosen And Soften Callused Skin On Your Feet
There is nothing more gentle on your feet than a nice long soak in warm water. If you have calluses that are peeling and look bad, it is fine to do long foot soaks in warm water to soften them a bit before using a pumice stone to slough away the skin. Just make sure you stay away from harsh chemical foot peels and extremely hot water that can cause your feet more harm than good.
Calluses can be a normal thing, but when you have diabetes, these skin changes on your feet can be concerning. Talk to us at the office of Jeffery LaMour, DPM, PA for more information about treatments we offer to help with calluses.
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How Can Diabetes Affect My Feet
Over time, diabetes may cause nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy, that can cause tingling and pain, and can make you lose feeling in your feet. When you lose feeling in your feet, you may not feel a pebble inside your sock or a blister on your foot, which can lead to cuts and sores. Cuts and sores can become infected.
Diabetes also can lower the amount of blood flow in your feet. Not having enough blood flowing to your legs and feet can make it hard for a sore or an infection to heal. Sometimes, a bad infection never heals. The infection might lead to gangrene.
Gangrene and foot ulcers that do not get better with treatment can lead to an amputation of your toe, foot, or part of your leg.A surgeon may perform an amputation to prevent a bad infection from spreading to the rest of your body, and to save your life. Good foot care is very important to prevent serious infections and gangrene.
Although rare, nerve damage from diabetes can lead to changes in the shape of your feet, such as Charcots foot. Charcots foot may start with redness, warmth, and swelling. Later, bones in your feet and toes can shift or break, which can cause your feet to have an odd shape, such as a rocker bottom.
Could You Have Nerve Damage
Anyone with diabetes can develop nerve damage, but these factors increase your risk:
- Blood sugar levels that are hard to manage
- Having diabetes for a long time, especially if your blood sugar is often higher than your target levels
- Being overweight
- Having high cholesterol
Nerve damage, along with poor blood flowanother diabetes complicationputs you at risk for developing a foot ulcer that could get infected and not heal well. If an infection doesnt get better with treatment, your toe, foot, or part of your leg may need to be amputated to prevent the infection from spreading and to save your life.
When you check your feet every day, you can catch problems early and get them treated right away. Early treatment greatly reduces your risk of amputation.
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Yellowish Scaly Patches On And Around Your Eyelids
These develop when you have high fat levels in your blood. It can also be a sign that your diabetes is poorly controlled.The medical name for this condition is xanthelasma.
Take action
- Tell your doctor about the yellowish scaly patches around your eyes.
- Talk with your doctor about how to better control your diabetes. Controlling diabetes can clear the scaly patches.
Moisturizing Butters And Oils
On the flip side, if your heels are just a little dry or flaky, Gonzalez suggests looking for foot masks that will repair and soften the skin without necessarily causing that level of intense exfoliation.
- Are foot peels safe?
According to Gonzalez, foot peels are safe for most people. But a few caveats: Dont use any kind of foot peels with acids if you have an open sore on your foot or even a small abrasion. The acid from the peel will get into the crack and be quite painful, and you might also increase your risk of developing an infection, cautions Gonzalez. You also shouldnt use these if youre diabetic or pregnant, unless you clear it with your doctor, she adds.
- Can you use a foot peel on your face?
Thats a very hard n-o. Full stop. The skin on the bottom of the foot is thicker than the skin on the face. Depending on what product you are using for a foot peel, it could be much too strong for your face, says Gonzalez.
- Can you use a foot peel on your hands?
Also no. While the skin on your hands may not be as delicate as the skin on your face, its still different than the skin on your feet. Foot peels are for feet, and thats that.
- How often should you use a foot peel?
It takes a few days for the feet to start peeling and for new skin to become apparent, says Gonzalez. Once a month should be the maximum for usage, and many people find they can go longer depending on their rate of cell turnover and how calloused or dry their feet typically get, she says.
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Why Callus And Corn Treatment Is Important For Diabetics
If youre frequently on your feet, you may be familiar with calluses and corns on your feet. These are areas of thick, tough skin that develop to protect you from the pressure and friction your feet endure. For many people, calluses and corns are simply an inconvenience. Changing footwear or adding insoles or other padding may relieve the friction, and the thick spot eventually vanishes.
However, if youre diabetic, you may have a condition called diabetic neuropathy, a disorder of the nerves in the feet that makes corn and callus care important. While still relatively minor problems, calluses and corns may sometimes develop complications.
If your neuropathy is sufficiently advanced, you may be unable to detect foot pain to alert you to a growing problem.
What Are Some Common Skin Problems In People With Diabetes
Some of the problems listed belowsuch as bacterial infections, fungal infections and itchingare skin conditions that can affect anyone. However, people with diabetes are more prone to getting these conditions, which can lead to serious complications. Some of the conditions listedsuch as diabetic dermopathy, necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum and eruptive xanthomatosisoccur only in people with diabetes.
Some common skin conditions include:
Acanthosis nigricans This is a condition that results in the darkening and thickening of the skin. Often, areas of tan or brown skin, sometimes slightly raised, appear on the sides of the neck, the armpits, and groin. Occasionally, these darkened areas may appear on the hands, elbows, and knees. Acanthosis nigricans usually strikes people who are very overweight. There is no cure for acanthosis nigricans, but losing weight may improve the condition. Acanthosis nigricans usually precedes diabetes.
Allergic reactions Allergic reactions to foods, bug bites, and medicines can cause rashes, depressions, or bumps on the skin. If you think you may be having an allergic reaction to a medicine, contact your healthcare provider. Severe allergic reactions may require emergency treatment. It is especially important for people with diabetes to check for rashes or bumps in the areas where they inject their insulin.
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Extremely Dry Itchy Skin
Dry, itchy skin
If you have diabetes, youre more likely to have dry skin. High blood sugar can cause this. If you have a skin infection or poor circulation, these could also contribute to dry, itchy skin.
Take action
- Tell your doctor about your extremely dry skin. Gaining better control of diabetes can reduce dryness.
- If you continue to have dry skin after you gain better control of your diabetes, a dermatologist can help.
Keep The Blood Flowing To Your Feet
Try the following tips to improve blood flow to your feet:
- Put your feet up when you are sitting.
- Wiggle your toes for a few minutes throughout the day. Move your ankles up and down and in and out to help blood flow in your feet and legs.
- Do not wear tight socks or elastic stockings. Do not try to hold up loose socks with rubber bands.
- Be more physically active. Choose activities that are easy on your feet, such as walking, dancing, yoga or stretching, swimming, or bike riding.
- Stop smoking.
Smoking can lower the amount of blood flow to your feet. If you smoke, ask for help to stop. You can get help by calling the national quitline at 1-800-QUITNOW or 1-800-784-8669. For tips on quitting, go to SmokeFree.gov.
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Are Foot Peels Safe
For the most part, yes, but Adigun cautioned they may not be appropriate for everyone. They are generally safe and effective, but if you have a history of diabetes, contact your physician first. And if you have open wounds on your feet, I recommend delaying the peel. Adigun also said if youre pregnant you should hold off until you speak with your obstetrician.
Open Sores And Wounds
Having high blood sugar for a long time can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage. You may have developed these if youve had uncontrolled diabetes for a long time.
Poor circulation and nerve damage can make it hard for your body to heal wounds. This is especially true on the feet. These open wounds are called diabetic ulcers.
Diabetes and feet
- Get immediate medical care for an open sore or wound.
- Work with your doctor to better control your diabetes.
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Can You Safely Do Foot Peels
Rolim and other health professionals we contacted say that diabetics should avoid foot peels altogether because high blood glucose levels affect the bodys ability to heal wounds. Those with sensitive skin or a neurologic impairment that can affect their ability to feel pain, burning or tingling sensations should also avoid these types of products, says Dr. Anna H. Chacon, MD FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical writer for Zelen Life.
Dr. Malini Fowler, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist with Westlake Dermatology in San Antonio, Texas, says she mostly considers foot peels safe and effective to exfoliate and remove dead skin, but cautions they shouldnt be overdone. In general, she says, foot peels can safely be done once a month, Fowler says.
If you already exfoliate your skin in the shower or with sugar scrubs, you may not need to use a foot peel at all, though.
Too much exfoliation can lead to thinning of the skin, dryness, rash and cracks in the skin, she explains.