When is wound care and dressing recommended for a diabetic foot ulcer?

Diabetes can reduce sensation, change circulation, and make a foot wound harder to notice or heal. An ulcer may begin with friction, pressure, a blister, or a minor injury. A clinician can assess its depth, remove unhealthy tissue when appropriate, select a dressing, and reduce pressure with footwear or another offloading plan. The wound should be followed regularly, even if it is not very painful. Glucose management and checks for infection or circulation problems are also part of care.

Contact your diabetes or foot-care team as soon as you notice an open area, blister that has broken, drainage, or a change in skin colour. Keep the foot clean and dry, use only the dressing advised for you, and avoid walking directly on the ulcer unless your clinician says it is safe. Do not cut calluses, soak the foot, or apply creams or antiseptics without guidance. Inspect both feet daily, including between the toes, and wear protective footwear.

Seek urgent assessment for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, bad odour, fever, chills, new severe pain, black or pale skin, or a cold foot. Urgent help is also needed if you feel acutely unwell or the wound suddenly becomes deeper. Reduced sensation can hide a serious problem, so absence of pain should not reassure you.

Ask: How deep is the ulcer? Which dressing should I use? How can I reduce pressure? Do I need infection or circulation checks? How often should the wound be reviewed?