For diabetes mellitus foot care teaching, which instruction should be included in the plan of care?

• A. Soak the feet in hot water.
• B. Avoid using soap to wash the feet.
• C. Apply a moisturizing lotion to dry feet, but not between the toes.
• D. Always have a podiatrist cut your toenails; never cut them yourself.

Answer: (C)

Preserving skin integrity and preventing moisture imbalance is essential in diabetes foot care. The best instruction is to apply a moisturizer to dry feet to restore and maintain the skin barrier, while keeping the areas between the toes dry. Dry, cracked skin can serve as entry points for bacteria, leading to infections and slower healing. A moisturizer helps prevent cracks, but placing moisture between the toes is discouraged because that space is prone to maceration and fungal infections when there’s reduced sensation and circulation. Washing with a mild soap and drying thoroughly supports cleanliness without overwhelming the skin; soaking feet in hot water should be avoided because it can burn or worsen skin breakdown in neuropathic feet. Nail care should be done carefully, with nails trimmed straight across to prevent ingrown nails, and professional help sought if safe self-trimming isn’t possible.