Foot ulcers can easily be mistaken for blisters, but are more
serious and require medical attention. They can lead to serious wounds and infections
if left untreated. Blisters and ulcers do differ in appearance; a blister is a
pocket of fluid beneath the skin, whereas a foot ulcer is an open wound. Foot
ulcers are most commonly found on the ball of the foot, the bottom of the big
toe or the side of the foot.
If you notice an open wound on your foot, it is best to see
a podiatrist. He will examine the area to see if it is infected, clean the area
and remove any dead skin. An x-ray may be necessary to be sure infection has
not spread to the bone.
If you have diabetes, you may be at an increased risk for developing
foot ulcers. It is estimated that 15% of
diabetics will have a foot ulcer at some point. It may take weeks or months for
ulcers to heal
Image by Corey Balazowich. Cold Feet. (2007). Flickr.
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