Can A Unique Ointment Improve Daily Foot Care In Patients With Diabetes?

     While there are a plethora of over-the-counter (OTC) foot care treatments podiatrists may recommend to patients, DPMs have cited Kerasal Foot Ointment for its unique properties and over a decade of reliability.      Michael Golf, DPM, PA, has been recommending Kerasal Foot Ointment for over 10 years. Both Dr. Golf and Marc A. Brenner, DPM, acknowledge the benefits of the ointment’s composition, which consists of salicylic acid 5% and urea 10%. Dr. Golf explains that the urea hydrates the skin while the salicylic acid component enhances the urea’s keratolytic effects.       “This is a good combination for people who have developed hyperkeratosis and dyshidrosis,” claims Dr. Golf, who is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is in private practice in Austin, Tx.      Kerasal Foot Ointment comes in 15g and 30g sizes. According to the manufacturer, Alterna, LLC, the salicylic acid 5% component of the ointment exfoliates dead cells from skin surfaces while the urea 10% component helps to retain moisture in new surface skin cells.

Encouraging Patients To Take An Active Role In Self-Care

     Drs. Brenner and Golf agree that the ointment is an effective option for treating the diabetic foot as well. Dr. Brenner recommends the ointment to “almost every diabetic patient.” Dr. Golf cites the ointment’s hydration and “natural sloughing” properties. Drs. Brenner and Golf agree that the OTC availability of Kerasal Foot Ointment has advantages.       “By getting the patient to mechanically touch his or her feet by applying the ointment, it helps facilitate better self-care,” states Dr. Golf.      Dr. Brenner agrees, adding that educating the diabetic patient about foot care, particularly regular examination, “definitely” helps facilitate less problems in terms of possible diabetic complications in the feet.      Dr. Brenner emphasizes using literature to aid in educating the patient with diabetes about self-care. In fact, every patient that Dr. Brenner treats receives a packet with literature that will give him or her adequate education throughout treatment. Dr. Brenner further explains to patients “it is paramount to monitor blood sugar, eyes and feet on a regular basis.” Both Drs. Brenner and Golf recommend ensuring that the patient get help with regular self-examination if he or she is unable to perform regular monitoring.      Dr. Golf emphasizes a strict foot care regimen for his patients with diabetes. He recommends that patients inspect their feet daily. Additionally, Dr. Golf advocates using an emollient, preferably twice a day.       “It is important to keep the foot hydrated so the skin does not break down,” explains Dr. Golf. “Keeping the skin hydrated offers a barrier to bacteria.” He reiterates that Kerasal Foot Ointment has consistently aided in this regimen.

Other Key Considerations

     While Dr. Golf says patients with diabetes must be wary of applying compounds containing salicylic acid to their skin, he notes the percentage of salicylic acid included within Kerasal Foot Ointment, “does not appear to have deleterious effects in the diabetic patient.”      Drs. Brenner and Golf have not observed any side effects to Kerasal Foot Ointment. Dr. Brenner recommends against using the ointment on open wounds and Dr. Golf says patients should not use any emollient between their toes.       “Kerasal Foot Ointment is a product that is well liked and well known by patients,” adds Dr. Brenner, a podiatrist in private practice in Glendale, NY. “It is easily accessible and works well.”      The manufacturer of Kerasal Foot Ointment also offers other products to help facilitate diabetic foot care. These products include the Kerasal DF (Diabetic Formulas) Foaming Foot Cleanser and Moisturizing Cream, and Kerasal Callus Removal Cleansing Pads.