Body · Pattern guide

Foot change with diabetes

A new foot wound, blister, swelling or colour change in someone with diabetes needs urgent assessment. Guidance, not a diagnosis.

Browse concerns Story card

What to do now

Get medical help today.

Get an urgent in-person foot assessment today, even if the change does not hurt. Fever, confusion, fast breathing, black tissue, or a cold pale or blue foot needs emergency hospital care now.

What it looks like

Signs

diabetes with a new foot cut, blister, wound or ulcera foot becoming hot, swollen, colder or changing colourfluid, pus or an unusual smell from broken skinvisible damage with reduced feeling or no pain

What may help

Options

urgent in-person foot assessmentkeep weight off the affected footcover broken skin with a clean dry dressing

When to get help

Pause here

Arrange urgent in-person assessment today for a new foot wound, blister, ulcer, colour change, swelling, unusual heat or cold, or unexplained pain in someone living with diabetes, even if it does not hurt. Fever with a wound, confusion, fast breathing, black tissue, or a cold pale or blue foot needs emergency hospital care now. Do not burst blisters, cut hard skin, apply corn or wart acids, or rely on skincare treatment.

Sources

Checked links.

Reviewed July 2026

World Health Organization · Diabetes NICE · Diabetic foot problems NHS England · Looking after a diabetic foot ulcer

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