Growing up in Melbourne, I remember my Nonna warning us kids never to walk barefoot outside — “You’ll end up in hospital with a bone infection!” she’d say, half-joking, half-serious. Turns out, she wasn’t far off.
In clinic, I see just how quickly a small cut or blister on the foot can spiral into something much more dangerous — especially in patients with diabetes, poor circulation or lowered immune systems. We’re talking infections that don’t just cause pain, but can eat into the skin and soft tissue, lead to hospital admissions, and in severe cases, even amputation.
A Minor Cut Can Turn Nasty — Fast
One of my patients, a 56-year-old tradie from the Mornington Peninsula, came in thinking he’d just stubbed his toe while gardening. What started as a small graze had turned red, swollen and warm within a few days. By the time he came to see us, it was tracking up his foot. He ended up needing IV antibiotics and wound care for several weeks.
This isn’t an isolated story. It happens more than people realise — especially in summer, when people go barefoot at the beach or forget to check their feet after a big day of walking or working outdoors.
Foot Infections Are More Common Than You Think
Our feet are the perfect storm for infection:
- They’re warm, often moist, and enclosed in socks and shoes all day.
- They’re prone to small injuries — blisters, nail problems, cracked heels — especially if you’re active, on your feet all day or have dry skin.
- And most of us simply don’t pay enough attention to our feet until something’s wrong.
Add a bit of bacteria or fungus into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for infection.
How Infections Start — And What Makes Your Feet So Vulnerable
Foot infections don’t come out of nowhere. They start small — a crack in the heel, a blister from tight shoes, a scratch you didn’t notice. But once the skin barrier is broken, it’s open season for bacteria, fungi and viruses that are already living on your skin or lurking in the environment.
Your Feet Are a Hotspot for Bugs
Here’s why your feet are particularly vulnerable:
- They’re enclosed in warm, sweaty shoes for hours — perfect for bacteria and fungi to thrive.
- They’re constantly under pressure and friction, which can cause micro-trauma.
- They’re often ignored — people don’t inspect them regularly.
- Injuries are often slow to heal, especially if blood flow is poor.
Once there’s an entry point, it depends on what kind of micro-organism gets in and how deep the wound is.
Bacteria Love Certain Conditions
There are three main types of bacteria that cause skin infections — and each prefers different conditions:
| Type | Where They Thrive | Example |
| Aerobic (needs oxygen) | Superficial wounds on the skin’s surface | Small cuts, grazes |
| Facultative anaerobes (can survive with less oxygen) | Slightly deeper wounds | Cracks between toes |
| Strict anaerobes (no oxygen needed) | Deep wounds or abscesses | Infections under callus or in foot ulcers |
If you’ve ever had a corn or callus that split open and started to smell — you were probably dealing with anaerobic bacteria trapped in a low-oxygen environment.
It’s Not Just Bacteria
Fungal infections are also common — especially in our Aussie climate. The classic example is tinea (athlete’s foot), which starts between the toes. But if left untreated, the skin can split, allowing bacteria to sneak in and cause a mixed infection — part fungal, part bacterial.
The Role of Your Immune System
Your immune system acts like the bouncer at the door. If it’s strong, minor infections often clear up on their own. But if it’s under pressure — from diabetes, poor circulation, stress or chronic illness — that same infection can take hold and spread fast.
I once treated a teenage footy player who came in with what looked like a standard ingrown toenail. But he’d been pushing through pain for weeks and kept playing. By the time he came in, there was a pus-filled abscess under the nail and cellulitis creeping up his foot. He ended up needing minor nail surgery and a week off school on antibiotics.
Know the Signs: Early Symptoms You Should Never Brush Off
Foot infections have a sneaky way of creeping up on you. One day it’s just a sore spot or a bit of redness. The next, you’re struggling to walk or feeling generally unwell. The earlier you catch an infection, the easier it is to treat — and the less chance it has to spread deeper.
Here’s what I tell my patients: if something looks off, don’t wait and see — get it checked.
Common Red Flags of a Foot Infection
| Symptom | What It Could Mean |
| Redness or heat | Inflammation — often the first sign your body is fighting infection. |
| Swelling or puffiness | Fluid is building up as your immune system kicks in. |
| Pain that’s getting worse | Worsening infection or deeper tissue involvement. |
| Discharge or pus | Clear sign the body’s trying to flush something out. |
| Unusual smell | Often indicates anaerobic bacteria — especially under callus or in moist areas. |
| Skin breakdown or cracks | Easy access for bugs — especially in dry heels or between the toes. |
| Fever or chills | Infection may be spreading into the bloodstream — time to see a doctor. |
| High blood sugar levels (if diabetic) | Infections can cause blood sugar to spike — even before other symptoms show. |
Watch For Escalating Symptoms
If the redness or swelling is spreading up the foot or leg, this is urgent. You may be developing cellulitis, a serious bacterial skin infection that can progress quickly. At this point, go straight to hospital — don’t wait for a podiatry appointment or GP referral.
A Real-Life Example
Not long ago, I saw a patient in his 70s who had an ulcer under his big toe. He thought it was healing but came in because his daughter insisted — she noticed a funny smell when helping him change his socks. When we removed the dressing, there was obvious pus and surrounding cellulitis. His blood sugar had also spiked. He ended up on IV antibiotics and had daily podiatry wound care for six weeks. Luckily, we caught it in time.
Your Body Will Often Tell You
Even before you see visible changes, many people say, “it just didn’t feel right.” Trust that instinct. If your foot feels warmer than usual, if you get a sudden sting when stepping down, or if something smells odd — get it looked at.
Remember: foot infections don’t wait — neither should you.
Prevention Is Powerful: A Checklist for Healthy Feet
In my clinic, I always say this: Preventing a foot infection is a whole lot easier than treating one. And the good news? Most infections can be avoided with a bit of consistent care and a few smart habits.
Here’s your no-fuss, foot-friendly prevention checklist — the same one I use with high-risk patients, athletes, and busy parents alike.
Daily Foot Health Habits
| Task | Why It Matters |
| Wash your feet with warm, soapy water | Clears away dirt and bacteria — especially important in hot, humid weather. |
| Dry carefully between the toes | Moisture left behind is a breeding ground for fungus. |
| Check for cuts, cracks, or blisters | These are common entry points for infection, especially on the heels or between toes. |
| Apply moisturiser to feet and legs | Keeps skin soft and less likely to split. Avoid between the toes. |
| Wear clean socks every day | Damp, reused socks are a haven for bugs — especially in summer or after sport. |
Weekly & Monthly Must-Dos
| Frequency | Task | Why It Helps |
| Weekly | Inspect nails and skin for any changes | Look for discolouration, swelling, or signs of infection. |
| Monthly | Replace worn-out shoes and thongs | Damaged soles and poor support can lead to friction, callus, and wounds. |
| Every 6–12 weeks | See a podiatrist for maintenance care | Especially if you have corns, callus, ingrown nails, or cracked heels. We can spot issues early. |
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Don’t walk barefoot outside. I know it’s tempting in summer, but stubbed toes, splinters and cuts are all too common — especially on decking, footpaths or near the BBQ.
- Don’t soak feet in hot water or use heat packs. These can cause burns, especially if you’ve lost feeling in your feet.
- Don’t self-treat corns or callus with sharp blades. It often leads to accidental injury or infection.
Protect Your Feet Like They’re Gold
Living in Australia means our feet take a beating — sand, heat, concrete, footy boots, and going barefoot at the beach or pool all pose risks. Prevention really is your best weapon.
And let’s be honest — most people aren’t checking their feet regularly. But if you build these simple habits into your routine, they become second nature. Just like brushing your teeth.
What to Do If You Spot a Problem — Immediate Action Plan
So you’ve found a cut. Or maybe your toe is red and throbbing. What now?
First things first — don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. The quicker you act, the better the outcome.
I always tell patients: treat it like your child’s skin, not your boot sole. Gentle care, good hygiene, and a close eye on how it’s healing will take you far. And if things aren’t improving? Time to call in the experts.
Step-by-Step: Treating Minor Wounds at Home
If the area is small, clean, and not showing signs of spreading infection:
- Clean the area
Use a saline flush or warm salty water to gently rinse away dirt or debris. No scrubbing. - Apply antiseptic
Something like Betadine (povidone-iodine) is excellent. Avoid hydrogen peroxide — too harsh for healthy tissue. - Dress the wound
Use a breathable, non-stick dressing. Change it daily or if it becomes damp. - Keep pressure off the area
Modify your footwear if needed. For toe wounds, open-toe shoes or sandals (indoors only) can help reduce pressure - Monitor closely
If it’s not improving within 48–72 hours — or if it’s getting worse — it’s time to book in.
Know When It’s Time to See a Professional
| Sign | What to Do |
| Redness that’s spreading | See your podiatrist or GP urgently |
| Heat or throbbing pain | Could indicate infection beneath the skin |
| Pus or yellow discharge | Infection is present — may need a swab or antibiotics |
| Black, hard skin around a wound | You need debridement — book with a podiatrist |
| Fever, chills or feeling unwell | Go straight to hospital |
| Wound still open after 6 weeks | This is now classed as a chronic wound — specialist care is essential |
What We Do in Clinic
If you come in with an infected wound, here’s what we might do:
- Debride any dead or callused skin to expose healthy tissue and help healing.
- Take a wound swab to identify the exact bacteria (this helps your GP pick the right antibiotic).
- Apply advanced dressings — like silver-impregnated mesh or alginate for oozing wounds.
- Refer you to a GP or hospital if we see red flags like cellulitis or systemic symptoms.
We’ve had patients limp in thinking it was “just a sore toe” — and end up needing full wound management plans. Catching it early makes all the difference.
High-Risk Groups — Diabetics and People With Circulation Issues
Foot infections are risky for anyone — but if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage (neuropathy), the stakes are even higher.
We’re talking about wounds that don’t heal, ulcers that linger for months, and infections that spread silently because you can’t feel the pain. And yes, I’ve treated patients who nearly lost toes or feet because they didn’t realise how bad it had gotten.
But here’s the good news: with the right care and early checks, we can prevent almost all serious complications.
Why Are Some People More Vulnerable?
Let’s break it down:
Diabetes
- High blood sugar damages blood vessels, which means poor circulation and slower healing.
- It also affects nerves, causing reduced feeling in the feet (neuropathy) — so you might not notice a cut, blister or pressure area.
- Diabetics are also more prone to infection, as their immune system response is often weaker.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
- Reduced blood flow to the feet means less oxygen and nutrients to heal wounds.
- Even small ulcers can become serious due to poor tissue repair.
- In severe cases, the foot may appear pale, cool, or even have blackened areas due to tissue death.
Neuropathy (Loss of Feeling)
- You might not feel hot water, tight shoes, or stepping on something sharp.
- Pressure areas can turn into deep, unnoticed wounds, especially on the heels or under the ball of the foot.
A Typical Case I See Often
A man in his late 60s with type 2 diabetes came in for a regular nail trim. When we did his vascular and sensory check, I noticed a red mark near his heel. He hadn’t felt anything — but when we gently removed the callus, there was a hidden ulcer starting to develop.
Because we caught it early, he avoided infection, hospital visits, and weeks of dressing changes. That’s the power of regular podiatry care.
Know Your Risk — Stay Proactive
If you fall into any of these categories, here’s what I recommend:
- Annual foot health assessment with a podiatrist (Medicare covers this under a care plan)
- Daily self-checks for cuts, cracks, pressure spots or colour changes
- Use a mirror to check under your feet or ask someone to help
- Always wear footwear indoors and outdoors — no barefoot walking
- Never self-treat corns or callus — these often hide problems underneath
- Manage your sugar levels and medications with your GP or diabetes educator
Why Seeing a Podiatrist Can Save Your Foot — Or Even Your Life
You might think of a podiatrist as someone who just trims toenails or smooths out cracked heels. But let me tell you — in the right circumstances, a podiatrist can be the difference between keeping your foot or losing it.
Sounds dramatic, I know. But I’ve seen it first-hand. Infections that start as a small blister or split heel can end up in hospital wards. And sadly, if left too long, some people face amputations that could have been prevented with early podiatric care.
What We Do (That Most People Don’t Realise)
At Well Heeled Podiatry, we don’t just treat the problem you came in for — we’re trained to detect the ones you haven’t noticed yet. Our role is both preventative and clinical.
Here’s how we help:
| Service | Why It Matters |
| Wound debridement | Removes dead skin that traps bacteria and delays healing. |
| Infection detection | We spot the subtle signs — warmth, swelling, odour, callus changes. |
| Pressure offloading | Adjust footwear or padding to reduce strain on healing tissue. |
| Circulation and sensation testing | Identifies early signs of vascular disease or neuropathy. |
| Advanced dressing care | We use modern dressings to support faster, cleaner healing. |
| Referrals and collaboration | We work with GPs, endocrinologists, and vascular teams for comprehensive care. |
Real Talk: You Don’t Have to Wait Until It’s Bad
One of my favourite patients — a 42-year-old busy mum — came in because her nail polish wouldn’t sit right on one toe. Turned out she had a fungal nail infection and a mild ingrown starting underneath. She left with a proper treatment plan and, more importantly, the peace of mind that nothing serious was brewing.
Sometimes people worry that they’re “wasting our time” or that it’s “just a little thing.” But those little things? That’s what we’re here for. And it’s often those visits that prevent major issues down the track.
Your feet are your foundation — and when they hurt or break down, it affects everything. Your mood, your mobility, your independence.
So whether it’s a corn that won’t settle, a toenail that looks a bit off, or a wound that’s taking its time to heal — don’t guess. Get it checked.
We’re here to help you stay active, pain-free, and on your feet — for the long run.
