Holiday feet If you would like to discuss your kidney diagnosis with our trained members of staff, ring the free to call number 0800 169 0936. The NKF Helpline is available Monday to Thursday 08:30am - 5:00pm Friday 9.00am – 1.00pm on 0800 169 09 36 or email [email protected] Why should I be worried about my feet while on holiday? Due to your kidney disease, your feet are at risk of developing problems. This risk can sometimes increase while you are on holiday and your environment and routine changes and your activity levels can increase. Foot ulcers are breaks in the skin that struggle to heal. The development of foot ulcers in people with kidney disease may lead to serious complications and they are linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, amputations of the foot or leg and early death. Controlling your cholesterol and blood pressure, quitting smoking, increasing cardiovascular exercise, controlling weight and managing any other conditions you may have (such as diabetes) helps to reduce the risk of these life- and limb-threatening problems. This information contains advice to help you to care for your feet yourself while enjoying your holiday. Advice on keeping your feet healthy On the journey Long journeys can make your feet swell. Try to walk about every half hour if possible – even a short distance will help. This will keep the circulation moving and keep swelling down. Remember your feet may swell in heat, so make sure your shoes are not too tight. Check your feet every day You should check your feet at least once a day for any blisters, breaks in the skin, pain or any signs of infection such as swelling, heat or redness, just as you would at home. If you discover a small blister or a cut, graze or any break in the skin of your feet, cover them with a sterile dressing. Do not burst blisters. Wash your feet every day Wash your feet every day in warm water and with a mild soap. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them carefully, especially between the toes. Do not soak your feet as this can damage your skin. Moisturise your feet every day If your skin is dry, apply a moisturising cream every day, avoiding the areas between your toes. You may need to apply extra moisturising cream if your skin gets very dry in hot or cold weather. Toenails Carry on cutting your toenails as your podiatrist has advised you to. Avoid walking barefoot Always wear footwear, even on the beach. The sand can become very warm and you may burn your feet without realising. If you go into the sea, wear some sort of footwear such as plastic shoes to protect your feet. Avoid wearing ‘flip-flop’ type footwear as this may cause blisters between your toes. Prescription shoes If you have been supplied with prescribed shoes, do not wear any other shoes during your holiday (except when you are in the sea). Minor cuts and blisters Take a small first-aid kit containing sterile gauze dressings and Micropore tape. If you get a small blister, cut or graze, use diluted antiseptic on a gauze swab to clean the wound and tape on a dry sterile gauze dressing. Do not use cotton wool. Medications and prescriptions Make sure you pack medications you take regularly, including any antibiotics, dressings, insoles and footwear that have been prescribed and issued to you. What should I do if I have a concern or problem with my feet? It is important that you check your feet regularly, especially when on holiday as you may be more active than usual. If you develop any of the following problems, it is important that you get medical advice immediately, as any delay can have serious life-and limb-threatening consequences. A red/discoloured , hot, swollen toe or foot A break in the skin that doesn’t heal New redness or discolouration of your toe or foot New or unexplained pain in your foot When you get home, you must report it to your Multi-disciplinary Foot Care Team, local Podiatry Department of GP within 24 hours. Avoid high or low temperatures Protect your feet from sunburn with a high-factor sun-protection cream (SPF factor 30 or above) or keep them covered. Do not use dark-coloured materials to protect your feet as they absorb heat and you could burn your feet. If you have any concerns or discover any problems with your feet, contact your podiatry clinic or GP for advice immediately. Developed by the London Foot Care Strategic Clinical Network and the London Renal Strategic Clinical Network with help from service usersBased on the original leaflet produced by the Scottish Diabetes Group – Foot Action GroupOwned by the Royal College of Podiatry © Published date: Month, May 2024 Review date: Month, May 2027 Download this Information in PDF The National Kidney Federation cannot accept any responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor. Manage Cookie Preferences