For patients & families
Your feet matter. Here's how to look after them.
Diabetes can affect the nerves and blood supply in your feet, which means small problems can grow quickly. The good news: a few simple habits, done daily, make a real difference.
Five daily habits
Look at your feet every day
Tops, soles and between the toes. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if it's hard to see. You're looking for anything new: cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or hard skin.
Wash and dry them well
Warm (not hot) water, mild soap, and dry carefully — especially between the toes, where damp skin breaks down easily.
Moisturise, but not between the toes
A simple daily moisturiser keeps skin from cracking. Skip the gaps between toes — moisture there does more harm than good.
Wear shoes that protect you
Well-fitting shoes and clean socks, every day — even at home. Check inside shoes before putting them on for anything that could rub or press.
Don't treat problems yourself
Corns, calluses and ingrown nails need a professional. Home blades and strong corn plasters cause many of the wounds we see.
When to get help the same day
With diabetes, foot problems don't wait — and neither should you. Contact your doctor, podiatrist or diabetes team the same day if you notice:
- A new break in the skin, blister or ulcer — however small
- Redness, warmth or swelling, especially if it's spreading
- Discharge, smell, or a sock sticking to your foot
- A foot that suddenly changes colour or becomes cold
- New pain in a foot that usually has little feeling
- Feeling unwell or feverish alongside any foot problem
If you can't reach your usual team and the problem is getting worse, use your local urgent care service. Acting early is the single best thing you can do for your feet.
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