Importance of Proper
Foot Care
Foot problems are very common in people with diabetes and
can lead to serious health complications.
Daily foot care tasks for people with
diabetes include the following 22 :
• Wash your feet in warm (not hot) water using a mild soap.
Do not soak your feet, as this can dry your skin.
• Dry your feet carefully, especially between your toes.
• Thoroughly check your feet and between your toes to make
sure there are no cuts, cracks, ingrown toenails, blisters,
etc. Use a hand mirror to see the bottom of your feet or ask
someone else to check them for you.
• Clean cuts or scratches with mild soap and water and cover
with a dry dressing suitable for sensitive skin (gauze and
tape, a Band-Aid ® ).
• Trim your toenails straight across and file any sharp edges.
Do not cut the nails too short.
26