Paediatric Diabetes – Footcare

Foot Care
People who have diabetes are more susceptible to infections if their blood glucose levels
are high regularly and for long periods.

It is advisable to check your feet every day for signs of infection or injury.

Bad circulation is a complication of diabetes in later years especially if a person with
diabetes has had high blood glucose levels regularly and for long periods of time.
Sensation may be lost in the feet leading to infection and possible injury which is not
always noticed. Getting into a good routine at checking your feet now, will help to avoid
problems later.

By following this simple guide, looking after your feet will be easy:
 Use only a mild soap on your feet. No talc, deodorant, hard brushes or files.
 Make sure the water you wash your feet in, is not too hot.
 Dry your feet well, especially between your toes where wet skin may split.
 Cut your nails with nail clippers, never bite or pick them. Follow the shape of your
toe and do not cut too short.
 Moisturise any dry skin on your feet with a gentle body or foot lotion, but not
between the toes.
 Never walk barefoot in case you injure your feet.
 Wear comfortable, well fitted shoes.
 Allow your feet to breathe by wearing leather shoes and natural fibre socks.
 Have any infections or injury treated immediately by your GP or Podiatrist.

Common foot problems with children and young people

Verrucae
A verruca is simple a wart that is usually found on the soles of the feet or around the
toes. They are cause by the human papillomavirus which thrives in a warm moist
environment. They usually disappear on their own after about 6 months, sometimes
longer, therefore treatment is not recommended unless there is a problem.

 Verrucae can be treated with a product containing salicyclic acid from the
pharmacist. However, because this could damage good skin it is not
recommended that young people with diabetes use this treatment or self-treat.
 Should you have a painful verucca, talk to your Diabetes team as you can be
referred to a Podiatrist if it is appropriate.

Athletes Foot
Athletes foot is a fungal infection. Skin on the feet can become itchy, cracked and
peeling or with areas of dry, flaky skin.
 The infection thrives in damp, sweaty, dark environments and especially likes
damp shoes and trainers. It is also more common in adolescents who sweat more.
 Athletes foot can be treated by an antifungal preparation. Your pharmacist will be
able to advise you regarding an appropriate over-the-counter choice.
 However, it will also help to ensure you have shoes or trainers that are not too tight
and that you try to rotate your footwear so that they get a chance to dry out before
further use. Antifungal powder can also be sprinkled inside shoes.
 Make sure you wash your feet daily and dry them properly using you own towel to
help prevent the spread to the rest of your family.
 Change your socks every day.

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything,
please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you
and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a
member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to
answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well
and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your
experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are
available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We
value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with
us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the
nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed
to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is
unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal
help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf,
if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to
outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate
your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can
advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please
be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your
call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.