There are a number of different signs of an infection, though you may not have all of these:

• Pain – though if your nerves are damaged you may not feel any pain or discomfort
• Change in skin colour
• Swelling
• Difficultly moving your foot because of pain or swelling
• Heat – your skin may feel hot when you touch it
• A weeping wound – infection creates pus, which is a green or yellow fluid

If you see or feel any of these things and you have diabetes then you should see your podiatrist, nurse or doctor as soon as you can – that same day or the next day. Don’t wait – wounds and infections can be successfully treated and the earlier you start it the more successful your treatment is likely to be.

Seek medical advice immediately if you have diabetes and any of the following occur:

• you step on something sharp like a drawing pin or nail
• you have a more serious injury, for example, a deep cut or burn
• part of your foot or leg has become dark in colour or turned black
• you develop an infection
• your foot or leg suddenly becomes painful and is pale in colour

 

Add a Comment