Specifically, the diabetic person’s daily foot exam should include checking for :

Cuts/scratches: Any cuts or scratches should be washed with mild soap and water. Antibiotic creams may be used as recommended by the doctor and sterile bandages applied to protect cuts. If cuts appear infected, instruct the patient to call their physician immediately.

Ulcers: Minor scrapes or cuts that heal slowly -- or sores from badly-fitting shoes -- can become infected, causing ulcers. These should be treated right away.

Dry skin: Moisturizing soaps and lotions can be used effectively to keep skin soft, but patients should be instructed not to apply these between toes, as moisture there can cause fungus growth.

Blisters: If shoes don't fit properly, blisters can develop. Instruct patients to leave blisters intact, cleaning them and applying antibacterial cream, then covering them with a bandage.

Cracking, itching, red skin between the toes can be a sign of athlete's foot fungus. This should be treated immediately to prevent further infection.

Corns/calluses: Corns and calluses can be smoothed after bathing using an emery board or pumice stone – instruct patients that these are best removed slowly over several attempts.

Plantar warts: These can be quite painful, and are frequently mistaken for calluses. However, they are caused by a virus and develop on the foot's underside. A podiatrist should be consulted for their removal.

Ingrown toenails: Trimming toenails regularly -- cutting only across the top -- helps prevent ingrown toenails. When toenails cut into the skin, pain, redness, and infection may result. Ingrown toenails should be treated by the patient’s podiatrist.

Discolored/yellowed toenails that are thick and brittle usually means the nail has a fungal infection. The patient’s physician can prescribe a long-term medication to treat the infection and improve the nail's appearance.

Redness, warmth, swelling, or pain: These are symptoms of inflammation and infection, and can be quite serious. If the patient notices any of these symptoms they should consult their doctor immediately.

Blue or black skin color indicates blood flow problems. If the foot is cold and blue or black, this should be treated as an emergency; the patient should get to the hospital immediately.

In summary, patients should be instructed to call their doctor if they notice any of the following during their daily foot exams:

Changes in skin color.

Changes in skin temperature.

Swelling in foot or ankle.

Pain in legs.

Open sores that are draining or slow to heal.

Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus.

Corns or calluses.

Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel.

Unusual and/or persistent foot odor.