Wound care when you have diabetes: lower your threshold
Diabetes changes both how wounds heal and how easily you notice them. Get things seen earlier than you otherwise would.
This is a guide to being appropriately cautious, not a substitute for your diabetes care team, who should be your first call.
Why wounds behave differently
- Reduced circulation delivers less oxygen and fewer immune cells to the wound.
- Nerve changes can mean an injury is not felt, so it is found late.
- Raised blood glucose impairs immune function.
- Infections progress faster and with fewer warning signs.
Feet especially
Any break in the skin on the foot should be seen by a healthcare professional promptly, even if it looks minor and does not hurt. Painlessness is not reassurance here; it may mean reduced sensation.
Daily habits worth building
- Check feet daily, including between toes and the soles, using a mirror if needed.
- Never walk barefoot outdoors.
- Keep skin moisturised but not between the toes.
- Have footwear checked if you have any nerve involvement.
Do not self-manage
Do not use corn plasters or attempt to remove hard skin yourself, and do not wait to see whether a foot wound settles on its own.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.