This leaflet is for patients who are receiving wound care treatment on their foot/feet. The aim is to reduce the risk of bacterial infection in the wound and recognise the signs and symptoms of an infection. If a wound becomes infected the risk of serious complications such as sepsis, amputation and gangrene is increased.

Signs and symptoms of infection

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, please seek medical attention.

  • Increased or new pain
  • Heat
  • Swelling
  • Unpleasant smell
  • Feeling unwell
  • Redness
  • Pus or fluid
Prevention of bacterial infection
  • Keep the wound covered with a sterile dressing.
  • Keep your dressing dry and clean.
  • If the dressing gets wet, remove, and replace it immediately.
  • Always attend appointments to get the wound treated and monitored
  • Do not walk barefoot and wear suitable footwear or any offloading devices you have been given
Treatment

If there are signs of infection in the wound, the wound will be swabbed and antibiotics or an antimicrobial may be used. If you are experiencing a reaction (rash, nausea, diarrhoea) it is important to contact who has prescribed the treatment or your GP and ask for advice. Do not stop taking the antibiotics unless told otherwise. In severe cases, the patient may be required to attend hospital to prevent further complications such as amputation

If you are concerned you have an infection in your foot, please contact your GP surgery or local Podiatry department

For further information or if you develop a problem with your feet, please contact your nearest podiatry clinic on

Carlisle – 01228 608020

Penrith – 01768 245628

Workington – 01900 705120

Whitehaven – 01946 68635

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302