The following steps can help to prevent diabetic foot ulcers:
- See your doctor often. It is important to keep your diabetes under control, and to monitor the progression of your disease.
- Check your feet several times every day, and have your doctor check your feet when you see him. Treat any scrapes, cuts, blisters, or abrasions immediately. Wash with soap and water and don’t break the blisters. Put antibiotic cream on the wounds several times a day and see your doctor if it does not heal.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Make sure your shoes and socks fit appropriately. Ask your doctor if you should have special diabetic shoes fitted. Be careful with all new shoes when first in use. Inspect feet carefully after small periods of use for areas of redness indicating rubbing. If these develop contact your foot specialist.
- Treat calluses and corns properly.
- Cut toenails straight across the toe. If you have problems with your vision, do not attempt to cut your own toenails. Seek the aid of a family member or foot specialist.
- Treat athlete’s foot.
- Do not use heating pads or hot-water soaks on your feet.
- Improve circulation to your feet through regular exercise.
- Visit a podiatrist on a regular basis.
