Educational approach to podal hygiene in primary care

Abstract

Introduction: Foot disease is currently considered a public health concern, leading some pathologies such as diabetes to amputations and mortality, thus this educational approach favors the user knowledge about prevention, promotion and detection of pathologies that compromise the feet. Objective: To provide guidance on foot self-care and daily foot hygiene. Method: This is an experience report performed educational activity on self-care and foot hygiene to the user in the São José Basic Health Unit of Ribeirão Preto-SP in 2017. Foot hygiene guidelines are based on foot washing. with vegetable bushing, water and intimate soap, performing circular movements, using a sliding nail brush towards the nail matrix distal to the nail and the pumice stone in circular movements in eight in plantar region with drying of the feet and between the fingers. Results: The experience provided an opportunity to experience and develop the applicability of daily foot hygiene habits, which had a positive impact on the change of habits in nursing education in the podiatry in primary care. Discussion: The systematization of nursing care that guides nurses in decision-making, in which foot hygiene and self-care of the feet improves health perception, raising awareness about lifestyle change and reducing complications arising from the disease. Conclusion: The educational activity and the technique of foot hygiene is a resource that has been shown to be clinically efficient, low cost and legally supported by the use of intimate antifungal and bactericidal soap, called off-label, as well as well accepted by the population and professionals, with high adherence in educational activities enabling the guidance of self-care and foot hygiene as important tools in lifestyle change.