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Why should someone with diabetes test the water before washing their feet?

Nerve damage can keep you from feeling a burn.

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  1. Hot water makes soap work better
  2. Cold water causes diabetes
  3. Nerve damage can hide a burn ✔

Why: Nerve damage can make it hard to feel heat, so feet can burn without you noticing. Use warm, not hot, water and test it with a thermometer, aiming for 90°F to 95°F, or with your elbow.

Huh, didn't know that: NIDDK says not to soak your feet, because it can dry out the skin.

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What gets wetter the more it dries? A towel.
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References

Answer: Nerve damage can hide a burn. Nerve damage can make it hard to feel heat, so feet can burn without you noticing. Use warm, not hot, water and test it with a thermometer, aiming for 90°F to 95°F, or with your elbow.

  1. NIDDK, Diabetes and Foot Problems www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/foot-problems
    If you have nerve damage from diabetes, you may burn your feet and not know you did.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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