Guide
Daily diabetic foot care.
A short, practical routine — what to check, how to wash, what to put on your skin, and the signs that mean: don't wait, call your provider today.
1. Inspect every day
Once a day — usually in the evening — check both feet. Look at the tops, the soles, the heels, between every toe, and around the nails. If you can't see the bottoms easily, use a long-handled mirror or ask someone you trust to help.
You are looking for:
- Cuts, scrapes, blisters, cracked heels.
- Red areas, hot spots, swelling.
- New corns or calluses.
- Drainage, oozing, or anything that wasn't there yesterday.
- Numbness or new tingling.
2. Wash gently
Wash with warm (not hot) water and a mild soap. Test the water with your wrist or elbow if you have any neuropathy — your feet may not feel temperature accurately.
3. Dry carefully — especially between the toes
Pat dry with a soft towel. Get between every toe. Moisture between the toes can cause maceration and breakdown.
4. Moisturize — but never between the toes
Apply a gentle moisturizer to the tops and bottoms of your feet to keep skin from cracking. Do not apply moisturizer between the toes.
5. Wear protective socks and shoes
Diabetic socks with seamless toes and non-binding cuffs reduce friction and pressure. Inspect the inside of your shoes for grit, worn lining, or anything that could rub. Never walk barefoot — even indoors.
6. Trim nails carefully
Trim straight across, not too short, and never cut into the corners. If you have neuropathy, vision changes, or thick nails, ask your podiatrist to do this for you.
7. Don't self-treat callus build-up or ulcers
Callus shavers, over-the-counter corn removers, and aggressive home pedicures are not safe for diabetic feet. Build-up should be managed by a podiatrist. Ulcers must be treated by a wound-care professional.
8. When to call your provider today
Don't wait. Call if you notice:
- A wound that isn't healing or is getting worse.
- Spreading redness, warmth, or swelling.
- Drainage, pus, or a foul odor.
- Fever or chills with foot symptoms.
- New black, grey, or blue tissue.
- Severe pain, or pain that is unusual for you.
- A blister, callus, or hot spot that broke open.
If you notice any of these, contact your healthcare provider the same day. If symptoms feel severe or you feel unwell, go to urgent care or the emergency department.