Early symptoms of a diabetic foot ulcer include redness of the skin, blistering, and other signs of irritation. In later stages, the person may have an open wound that drains fluid onto socks or bedding. The open wound can then become infected and develop swelling, redness, and drainage of pus. The person may have a fever , and blood sugar levels may be higher than usual. A diabetic foot ulcer is caused by direct damage to the skin, such as a cut, or by pressure, such as that from poorly fitting shoes.
Prevention consists of following guidelines for foot care for people with diabetes .
These guidelines include regularly inspecting the feet and wearing shoes and inlays that fit properly. Diabetic foot ulcers are usually first recognized by the affected individual. The advice of a healthcare provider should be sought immediately. The provider can diagnose the ulcer by looking at it. If the ulcer is draining fluid, a culture of the fluid may be sent to the laboratory to check for infection.