​It is important for a person with diabetes to check his or her feet daily. Diabetes can damage the nerves in the leg and lead to a loss of sensation in the feet. As a result, you may not be able to feel pain even when there is something wrong with your feet.

The Podiatry Department at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group, explains how to check your feet and what to look out for.

How to check your feet

How to check your feet

  • Check the top and bottom of your feet and behind your heels
  • Look in between your toes for whitish skin or breaks in skin
  • If you are unable to bend down, use a mirror or get your family member or caregiver to do it for you

Check your feet for any of the following

Cuts in skin
Cuts in skin

Cracked skin
Cracked skin

Blisters
Blisters
Wounds
Hard skin or corns
Hard skin or corns
Whitish skin in between toes
Whitish skin in between toes
Fungal infection Sudden changes in skin colour
Sudden changes in skin colour
from the norm


Cleanse any skin breaks with an antiseptic solution such as iodine and dress with a sterile dressing. Do not burst blisters.

Ref: K21