Living with diabetes can often lead to dry, cracked skin on the feet, a condition known as xerosis. This can be uncomfortable and may make it harder to keep the skin healthy. New research looks at how different types of creams can help manage this specific issue.
Researchers compared standard base creams to functional creams, which contain extra ingredients like humectants. They found that these functional creams significantly reduced the severity of dry skin after two weeks and four weeks of use. Specifically, creams containing urea were found to be more effective than standard bases at reducing dryness over a month.
While the study showed that these creams also improved skin hydration, the evidence for that specific finding is less certain. The study also noted a lack of long-term data regarding the prevention of foot ulcers. However, the results show that urea-based creams are a reliable way to improve skin texture and hydration for those dealing with dry skin.
