Is 'Foot Bath' Safe for Diabetes Patients in Winter?

Poor Blood Circulation Causes Numbness
Reduced Resistance to Bacterial Infection
Approximately 15-25% of Diabetes Patients
Experience Foot Ulcers More Than Once

Mr. A, a man in his 60s who was diagnosed with diabetes during a health checkup late last year, recently experienced cold hands and feet and found it difficult to endure the cold throughout his body due to a sudden cold wave. As a result, he often took foot baths at home. Unlike half-body baths, he believed that simply soaking his feet would raise his body temperature, promote blood circulation and metabolism, and help relax stiff muscles and tension, thereby benefiting his health in various ways.

Foot bath. [Image source=Clipart Korea]

Last week, when the cold wave hit, Mr. A took a foot bath as usual. However, unlike before, the redness in the skin of his feet did not return to normal, and swelling worsened. When he visited the hospital with blisters, he was diagnosed with a low-temperature burn.

In Mr. A’s case, because he had diabetes, he could not feel pain or heat like a normal person, which led to the low-temperature burn.

Glucose, the most basic source of energy for our body, requires a hormone called insulin to function properly. Diabetes is a metabolic disease caused by insufficient insulin secretion or decreased insulin function due to various reasons.

In people with diabetes, blood circulation is poor, leading to reduced sensation. Resistance to bacterial infections is also lowered, so they may not notice wounds on their feet or have impaired healing ability, making even minor wounds slow to heal or worsen.

Diabetes is known for its severe complications compared to other diseases. Approximately 15 to 25% of diabetic patients are known to experience foot ulcers at least once. One of the representative complications, diabetic foot disease, primarily manifests as foot ulcers and refers to all symptoms occurring on the feet of diabetic patients. About 50% of patients with foot ulcers have infectious complications, and in severe cases, 20% may require amputation.

For those with diabetes, special caution is needed regarding blisters caused by hot water during foot baths or public baths, wounds from toenail care, and blisters caused by wearing tight shoes.

Dr. Jo Ara, head of the Diabetes Center at Daedong Hospital (specialist in endocrinology), said, “Diabetes, a metabolic disease, often causes coldness in the hands and feet during winter that was not felt in summer. This is because the body’s metabolic function decreases due to cold weather.” She advised, “While it is important to keep warm, avoid foot baths with excessively hot water, placing feet on electric blankets or other heating devices, or applying hot packs directly to the skin.”

Those with poor blood sugar control, a history of diabetic foot disease, foot deformities, athlete’s foot, calluses, corns, neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, or smokers are at higher risk of developing diabetic foot disease and should be especially careful.

When diabetic patients take foot baths, the water temperature should be maintained slightly above body temperature, around 38 to 40 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to use a thermometer to accurately measure the water temperature, and if a thermometer is not available, a family member should check the temperature first before proceeding.

Foot baths should be limited to less than 30 minutes, and hydration should be maintained frequently. After the foot bath, the entire foot and spaces between the toes should be thoroughly dried, and moisturizer should be applied to areas excluding the toes to prevent dryness.

Daily inspection of the toenails, wounds, and any skin abnormalities on the entire foot is recommended. To prevent frostbite in winter, wearing warm socks that absorb sweat well or shoes with good ventilation and lining is advised. If feet feel cold during sleep, wearing socks is recommended.

Since last year, Daedong Hospital has established a diabetes education room on the second floor of the main building’s endocrinology outpatient clinic. It has been selected as a hospital recognized by the Korean Diabetes Association for diabetes education experience. The diabetes education team, composed of professionals from at least three fields including doctors, nurses, and nutritionists who hold diabetes educator certifications, conducts regular diabetes education sessions at least twice a month. To receive diabetes education counseling, patients can make an appointment after an endocrinology consultation and prescription. The education and counseling tailored to the patient’s condition are provided for about 1 to 1.5 hours at the scheduled time.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.