Smoking both in the long and short term can have an affect on both your skin and your internal body. Regular smoking has been known to prematurely age skin and lead to delayed wound healing, which is due to a reduction in oxygen. Those with diabetes are especially at risk of a poor wound healing increase. This can result in a delayed growth of new blood vessels at a wound site, decreased collagen synthesis, vasoconstriction and hence a lack of oxygen reaching one’s skin cells.
Quite often when delayed wound healing occurs, the development of leg ulcers particularly arterial and diabetic foot ulcers are common. These wounds can potentially lead to infection, death of tissues and formations of blood clots.
Other conditions which have been associated with smoking that affect not only the feet but one’s entire body can include:
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon
- Chilblans
- Psoriasis
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
- Buerger Disease
The majority of these conditions affect the blood vessels, resulting in reduced blood flow to fingers and toes and the integrity of your skin cells.
If you or someone you know smokes and/or suffers from Diabetes that may be experiencing any of the symptoms listed above , you can make an appointment online with us today for an assessment at Podiatry HQ.
Phone bookings can be made by calling our friendly reception staff on (03) 8645 9800.
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