I am the caregiver for my MIL who has Alzheimer's. I have now noticed her feet are stinky when I am putting on her compression socks and trimming her toe nails. She hates showers but I get her in there 2-3 times a week. She is diabetic, overweight a bit and has bad leg circulation. Maybe this is a fungus? Should I soak her feet in a solution of vinegar or Epsom salts or baking soda? Take her to a dermatologist or a podiatrist?
DR COPPERTINO
Why are you yelling?
Quite frankly, you must be reading between some lines no one else sees, there are no complaints, she is asking for help because she is concerned.
Have you thought about seeking some anger management? This is not the appropriate place to vent your anger at the world!
Also, shoes that get moist will cause foot odor. I have to wear a specific type of shoe due to severe foot problems and now, my shoes stink. I put them out to air and insert a dryer sheet (used) into each of them for a few days while wearing another pair.
In the meantime...I keep rubbing alcohol in a small spray bottle and use that between toes and under edges of nails. Helps a lot! Dries fast and no odor after.
try a little cider vinegar but you can also wash her feet with mouthwash.
my DH had toenail fungus but his feet never smelled bad. I was told to soak his feet in cider vinegar to help kill the fungus. but in hospital, no cider vinegar - that's when I tried using mouthwash and it was awesome!
There are basically good answers on the epsom salts or vinegar foot bathing and surely if it helps you care for her , it is something to do . However if this were my Mom I would want to stop what causes it and I would need a real podiatrist for that . Showers become " bed baths " because showers do bother many of them . Having worked with these people I am sure that using a soap with a good fragrance , calm music and sitting with the person before helping them be clean becomes a routine they love . I prefer Johnson's baby bath as well as lotion for those who do not have any ulcers or infections . It is not the Magic of that product like it is ( whether babies or adults ) the fragrance they come to know as a good , calm time . No more traumatizing of the shower on both you and your Momma .. God bless you for helping her and I hope things get better for you !
My nephew washes his shoes and is impatient with the drying process, whew, put those things outside.
I have read that putting crinkled newspapers in the shoes overnight will help.
Let us know what the podiatrist says.
God bless you for caring for your MIL.
Twice weekly, soak her feet in apple cider vinegar, for 15 minutes. Rinse well. Dry very well. Apply anti-fungal powder daily, between toes.
Medicare does cover Nail Care by Podiatrist for Diabetics, every 60 days.
My parents both had thick yellow toenails growing crazy, turning upward. They regularly see a podiatrist now and get nails trimmed and any other treatments needed. This is especially important when someone has poor circulation.
Good quality supportive sandals in the summer will keep her feet aired out.
Hm. I note that in its patient information on this topic, Diabetes UK refers confidently to "your annual diabetes foot check" where, among other things, you'll be told "your level of risk, if you don't know already." They seem to be saying this is routine care - does your MIL attend regular appointments for her feet?
Are her compression stockings being washed between wearings? I ask, because a good friend who has to wear them at night does not wash them too frequently. I know they are expensive, but being able to rotate them through the wash may help.
When I worked for a podiatrist they did not like Epsom salt baths, they often cuased moe harm than good. So please have her feet checked by a professional before you soak her feet.