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Dry cracked foot

J

johen

Well-Known Member
Messages
57
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Ok it's my own fault, I neglect my feet and go barefoot as much as I can around the house, preferring to wear "jesus-type" sandals all summer. I've got away with it so far, but now I have a problem with a sore crack on the underside of my right foot, below the ball of my big toe. It's sore. I've put savlon cream on it a few times today but keeping it clean where it is, is proving difficult. Should I go see the GP/nurse with this, given that I'm T1D 35yrs? Or just continue putting savlon cream on it and hope for the best?
 
Can you get a photo? I suggest contacting the clinic and asking if someone can take a look at the photo and advise - before the weekend.
I also suggest massaging lower legs to encourage blood flow a couple of times a day, try really hard to prevent the crack getting dirty, and if it starts to look/feel bad, go to a walk in clinic or call 111 - I've seen things go very wrong when we lived with my grandmother back in the 1950s. It might help to check your temperature throughout the day and watch for it starting to go up.
I hope that this advice is over the top and you soon see improvements.
 
Thanks for your comment. I was panicking a but last night but I think I should be overly concerned as you say things can go wrong quickly. I'll get my other half to take a pic and try do an e-consult on my GPs website as soon as they open.
 
johen said:
Thanks for your comment. I was panicking a but last night but I think I should be overly concerned as you say things can go wrong quickly. I'll get my other half to take a pic and try do an e-consult on my GPs website as soon as they open.
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Was just going to say to listen to @Resurgam , but you're already doing just that. Excellent! Hope you get help quickly, and your foot heals well and soon!
 
I would definitely get your go to get a look at it , as with everything prevention is better than cure , as diabetics moisturising is a must, I put my foot in a bowl of water with baby oil prevents cracking , I wear “ Jesus “ sandals have done for years without a problem. just be careful going barefoot as if neuropathy comes along , if you do get cracks try heel balm it works well
 
Hi all thanks for the input...am definitely getting some oil for a foot soak! Update us I have an appointment with a nurse at GP practice but not until Monday. I'm worried about keeping it clean so I've just soaked it in a bowl of warm water and some good old fashioned dettol liquid (the sort that goes milky) I think I'll do this a couple of times...hopefully it'll get me over until Monday. Fingers crossed
 
There are far better creams than Savlon to keep your feet soft, but if you have a crack/wound, it definitely needs checked out.

Better safe than a lifetime of regret.
 
Update. It got more painful and red on Friday so I called 111, waited 4 hours for recall then ended up in the nearest Urgent Treatment Centre where it was examined and penicillin prescribed.
2nd update. After taking penicillin all weekend the pain is getting worse. I'm wondering if I've strained the joint when getting up off the floor last week or if it could possibly be gout? (Never had it before) I'm attaching a photo of the red area (the dryness is being treated) but does this look like gout?
 
Well if you do have gout I sympathise, and you will know about it , I had gangrene in my foot befor I had my leg removed and it wasn’t as painful as when I had gout , I know it can be a tad difficult to diagnose at times but is normally cured with Allupurinol . Also I found ice pack helped
 
Has the red and swollen area increased in size since you were seen on Friday? I'd also be concerned about a black toenail. I don't know if it's gout, but I'd suggest calling 111 again for advice.

Is there any possibility you've got something in your foot, a splinter for example?
 
I've had a couple of goes around with cellulitis but since I started to rub an antiseptic cream into my toes whenever I have the slightest damage to a foot, it hasn't come back. I thought that could be gout at first.
I am a bit concerned about how short your nail is though - I'd never make mine as short as that - my dad always talked about how the problems his mother had with her diabetes all stemmed from the use of nail clippers. I keep my nails about half as long again.
 
Thanks for this. I've got a very small angled nail bed on that toe and if it's any longer, it grows outwards and white and I catch it and tear it! Foot did go away after gout medication for 3 days and I've not had it since. Strange.
 
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