[dlshaffer]

Has anyone used this foot cream? Below is some information from their website: http://strategicscience.com/healthibetic.html

HealthiBetic™ Transdermal L-Arginine Foot Cream

1.8 oz ( 50 ml) $ 9.95
4 oz (113 ml) $ 19.95

HealthiBetic Foot Cream offers a unique and effective solution to many foot problems experienced by people with diabetes and neuropathy. This patented transdermal formula is clinically proven to improve blood flow and relieve foot discomfort, and is also a great moisturizer for the skin.

The body keeps feet warm and healthy by providing them with warm, oxygenated blood. In a Pilot Study use of this transdermal L-Arginine cream significantly improved both temperature and blood flow to the feet. On average, temperature increased 5-8 degree F. and blood flow increased 33-35 %. HealthiBetic Foot Cream provides the natural amino acid L-Arginine to the foot tissue. L-Arginine is converted to Nitric Oxide which causes foot arterioles to dilate and provide the foot with an opportunity to restore its own blood flow through its own natural mechanisms.

This all sounds good, but.....does it work

[dahlek]

Keralac or Carmol serve as the heavy duty stuff for me. Ammonium lactate as a basic moisturizer, or sensitive-skin generic lotions. I've steriod ointments should I need them [tho prescribed for other issues, but also applicable here] I have not needed them.

That all, combined with regular podiatry appointments for the trim [of skin changes] and checks, well, I do just fine in this quarter.

Since my podiatrist was one of the loudest to suggest I get a second opinion regarding my neuropathy, which I did, HE, thus helped to keep my condition from becoming, possibly disastrous. I owe this guy LOTS! As in the facts that I found a neuro I trust, I get treatments I need, I am mobile [except for my knee fracture last month] mostly, and, have a lot of docs putting a lot of effort in easing me on thru life!

Please read the last stickie posted at the top....It's all about your skin and what happens with diabetes and/or PN. Having some clues as to what's happening can help you deal with it all. It's complicated and simple at the same time! Good thoughts! - j

[mrsD]

I am going to check it out.

But I wonder, my feet feel worse when hot/warm and better when cooler.

But overall if it improves circulation, it can't hurt.

One thing I found, while experiementing with ointments...anything that
protects the skin layer from air temp...seems to help. It can just be
plain old Aquaphor with no active ingredients. Seems that a barrier to the air
stops some skin sensations, that we perceive as unpleasant.

[MelodyL]

Yesterday, the medic from Dr.Fred's office gave Alan free samples of Elidel. Alan has bad psoriasis and bad excema. So we are trying this.
Two times a day. Insurance doesn't cover this creme unless you get it pre-approved by a doctor and then it has to go through hoops to get the insurance company to cover it.

I called Alan's insurance company and the co-pay for this creme is $75.00 for a 30 g tube. What does it cost in the pharmacy for the same tube (without insurance)??? $66.00

Go figure!!!!

[mrsD]

I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, Mel.

One reason that insurance won't cover this is that there is a cancer warning
with Elidel. This showed up in post-marketing data.
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisor...l_protopic.htm

My husband has psoriasis too. He uses plain old 1% Hydrocortisone cream
OTC, and it works fine.

What to do: As second-line agents, these drugs should be used only if other therapies (topical corticosteroids, emollients) are ineffective or inappropriate. They should not be used by patients with weakened or compromised immune systems, by children under the age of 2 or by patients with active viral skin infections. Short-term or intermittent use is advised. Unfortunately, atopic dermatitis is an uncomfortable, common and chronic condition. Patients should be warned of the potential cancer risk and carefully monitored clinically when taking the drugs. Any patient with nonresolving lymphadenopathy should be appropriately investigated. The lowest concentration of the drugs needed to control a patient's symptoms should be used. Unnecessary and potentially harmful ultraviolet exposure (from the sun and tanning beds) should be avoided.

from http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/172/9/1179

[rfinney]

In my never-ending search for topicals that help a little bit, I tried HealthiBetic. It sounded well, healthy. I was concerned that my feet would feel too hot after using it, but I figured, what the hey.

Result: It DID make my feet too hot. I only used a little on my "better" foot, so it was not too painful. However, I do not know if every PN'er would be affected the same way - and maybe some would actually enjoy that sensation.

rfinney

[Wing42]

Originally Posted by dlshaffer

Has anyone used this foot cream? Below is some information from their website: http://strategicscience.com/healthibetic.html

HealthiBetic™ Transdermal L-Arginine Foot Cream

... HealthiBetic Foot Cream provides the natural amino acid L-Arginine to the foot tissue. L-Arginine is converted to Nitric Oxide which causes foot arterioles to dilate and provide the foot with an opportunity to restore its own blood flow through its own natural mechanisms.

That sounds like topical Viagra for the feet. I wonder if it would work on ... never mind.

[Yorkiemom]

I haven't tried any particular creams, but my friend turned me on to a grade of lanolin that is sold over-the-counter, Lanolin, Hydrous. The WalMart pharmacy keeps it behind the counter. It is a more pure grade of lanolin, without all of the stuff they put into it to make it greasy. If I use it on my feet at night, I will wear socks over it. It softens after the body temp warms it. She does pottery and it has worked wonders on her dry and cracked hands.

My feet dry and crack horribly and (please don't faint, MrsD) when I get a pedicure, they have to shave the bottoms of my feet with a razor. It is gross! I know, I know, you shouldn't do that, but they are awful looking and my husband won't let my feet anywhere near him in the bed...

Cathie

[dahlek]

shaving an orange peel? Before my PN, callouses were thick. Now, just a bit.

The Keralac or Carmol is just as expensive, Mel, but is gettable thru most plan pharmacies. It doesn't take much to soften the tough, scaliness. Just be SURE to wash your hands rite after applications, I've taken finish of wood furniture with the stuff! It does keep the skin cracking at bay tho. - j

[Silverlady]

David!! You DIDN'T say that did you. Wicked man.

Billye