Don't Wait—Early Treatment Can Prevent Serious Complications 

 If you have diabetes, even a small cut, blister, or sore can become infected or develop into a serious wound if left untreated. Because diabetes may reduce feeling in your feet and slow healing, it is important to recognize warning signs early. Contacting your healthcare provider promptly can help prevent complications, including hospitalization or amputation. 

  Call Your Healthcare Provider Within 24 Hours If You Notice: 

Even if it doesn't hurt, any break in the skin should be evaluated if it does not begin improving or if you are concerned about how it looks.

New redness, swelling, or warmth around your foot or toes may be an early sign of infection or inflammation.

Clear, yellow, green, or bloody drainage from a wound should never be ignored.

A warm area may indicate inflammation or infection, even before a wound becomes obvious.

Although some people with diabetes have decreased sensation, others may develop new pain, burning, or tenderness that should be evaluated.

Seek medical attention if you notice:

• Black or dark areas 
• Blue or purple discoloration 
• Pale or white skin 
• Increasing redness 
• Darkening around a wound 
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If a cut, blister, or sore is not improving after a few days—or appears to be getting worse—contact your healthcare provider promptly.

 Seek Emergency Medical Care Immediately If You Have: 

🚨 Fever or chills with a foot wound

🚨 Red streaks moving up the foot or leg

🚨 Rapidly increasing redness or swelling

🚨 A foul odor coming from a wound

🚨 Black or gray tissue

🚨 Severe pain that suddenly develops

🚨 Difficulty walking because of a foot injury

🚨 Heavy bleeding that does not stop

 Do NOT Try to Treat These Problems at Home 

Avoid:

❌ Cutting corns or calluses yourself

❌ Using sharp instruments on your feet

❌ Applying heating pads or hot water bottles

❌ Walking barefoot with a wound

❌ Ignoring a wound because it "doesn't hurt"

Remember, diabetes can reduce sensation, so a serious wound may not be painful.

 What You Can Do While Waiting to Be Seen  

✔ Keep the area clean.

✔ Cover the wound with a clean, dry dressing.

✔ Avoid putting pressure on the affected foot whenever possible.

✔ Wear protective footwear if advised by your healthcare provider.

✔ Monitor the wound for changes in redness, swelling, drainage, or odor.

Do not apply over-the-counter medications or home remedies unless recommended by your healthcare provider.

 Quick Decision Guide  

• Skin is intact. 
• No redness, swelling, or drainage. 
• Continue your daily foot checks and preventive care. 

• New blister, cut, crack, or sore 
• Redness or swelling 
• Drainage 
• Skin color changes 
• Wound not improving 

• Fever or chills 
• Red streaks 
• Rapidly spreading redness 
• Black or gray tissue 
• Severe infection symptoms 
• Heavy bleeding 

📱 Take a photo of any new wound or skin change each day. This can help you and your healthcare provider monitor changes over time and determine whether the wound is improving or worsening.

Early treatment saves feet.

Never ignore a new foot problem—even if it seems small. Prompt evaluation and treatment can prevent infection, promote healing, and reduce the risk of serious complications.