If you have diabetes, you should never attempt to trim dead skin off your diabetic feet. By trying this at home, you could cut the skin too deep and increase your risk for an infection. If you need to remove skin or calluses from your feet, contact our experienced DFW podiatrist to perform the service in the safety of our Grapevine or Keller, TX, office.
But before you do, let's make sure it's necessary. Read on for more information about when to visit a podiatrist in DFW and what you can do at home to prevent such visits.
When to See Our DFW Podiatrist for Removal of Dead Skin on Diabetic Feet
Dead or thickened skin is often due to corns or calluses that form on the feet due to friction or pressure. An experienced and proven podiatrist in DFW can remove corns by trimming the thickened skin or shaving down calluses, so they no longer cause a problem. Trying to trim or shave corns or calluses at home can put you at risk of developing an infection. This is especially dangerous for those with diabetes since the condition can make it difficult for a foot wound to heal properly.
Potential Complications When Removing Dead Skin From Your Feet
- Infection
- Gangrene
- Amputation
In addition to trimming or shaving off dead skin, a podiatrist may recommend medication to remove calluses from the feet. Medication to remove calluses must be used with caution since it can damage tissue and put those with diabetes at a higher risk of developing a foot ulcer.
Foot Care You Can Do at Home
While trimming off dead skin or shaving down calluses is not something you should ever attempt yourself, there are several things you can do at home to keep your feet healthy. Some foot care tips to consider doing yourself include:
- Self-check. Check your feet daily by doing a self-exam to look for any abnormalities or signs of a problem.
- Wash and dry. Wash your feet and dry them thoroughly after bathing or showering.
- Moisturize. Keep your feet moisturized to combat dry skin, but never use lotion between your toes.
- Use a pumice stone. If you have dead skin, you can gently file it away using a pumice stone after a bath or shower when the skin is soft.
Contact Our Diabetes Foot Care Podiatrists
If you have dead or thickened skin on your feet, do not attempt to remove it at home. Contact Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists for a consultation to discuss treatment options. To schedule an appointment, fill out our online contact form on the right side of the page, or call our office at 817-481-4000.
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