Importance of self-care and health education in the prevention of plantar fissures in diabetic patients in primary care residing in Cidade Ocidental - GO: use of Skinup Beauty Devices social technology as an auxiliary tool in foot skin care

Abstract

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) represent a major public health problem worldwide. These conditions are responsible for a large number of deaths annually, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: To analyze the importance of self-care and health education in the prevention of plantar fissures in diabetic patients receiving Primary Health Care in Cidade Ocidental – GO, using the social technology SkinUp Beauty Devices as an auxiliary tool for foot skin care. Methodology: Descriptive and exploratory study with a quali-quantitative approach, conducted through field research in Primary Health Care in the municipality of Cidade Ocidental, Goiás, Brazil. The sample consisted of 11 patients diagnosed with type I and type II diabetes mellitus, aged between 18 and 80 years. Data collection was carried out between October and November 2025 using a structured questionnaire and plantar skin assessment with the SkinUp Beauty Devices digital skin analyzer, which measures parameters of moisture, oiliness, and skin elasticity. Assessments were performed at three moments (day 0, day 15, and day 30). Data were organized in electronic spreadsheets and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee under CAAE No. 91036825.4.0000.0351. Results and discussion: Eleven individuals with diabetes participated in the study, with a predominance of females (81.8%) and type 2 diabetes (90.9%). A high frequency of foot skin alterations was observed, including dry skin (81.8%), plantar fissures (90.9%), and the presence of blisters or calluses (54.5%). Regarding skin moisture, 45.5% of participants showed improvement after 30 days, while 54.5% presented a reduction. Concerning skin oiliness, 54.5% showed a reduction, 27.3% an increase, and 18.2% maintained their values. The results indicate heterogeneous behavior of skin parameters during follow-up, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and self-care strategies to prevent foot complications in people with diabetes. Conclusion: The study revealed a high frequency of skin alterations in the feet of individuals with diabetes mellitus, even in the absence of severe complications, indicating early factors predisposing to diabetic foot. Heterogeneous behavior of skin moisture and oiliness parameters was observed throughout follow-up, with partial improvement in part of the sample, demonstrating individualized responses to care interventions. These findings reinforce the importance of systematic nursing care, periodic foot assessment, and health education in Primary Health Care as fundamentais strategies for promoting self-care and preventing diabetes-related complications.