Can a diabetic soak a foot in epsom salts after popping a blood blister?

Epsom salts are an acceptable alternative to Betadine solution for diabetics looking for an antiseptic wound solution as a foot soak. People who are allergic to iodine should substitute Epsom salts after any type of wound, including blood blisters. This includes ingrown toenails and other cuts, notes Diabetes Self Management.

The use of Betadine (or the generic equivalent, povidine iodine) helps to fight infection from viruses, fungi or bacteria. Putting two capfuls of the Betadine solution into a large basin of tepid water before soaking for the feet for 20 minutes is an adequate treatment, states Diabetes Self Management.

People with an iodine allergy can get similar benefits from using Epsom salts. Adding 2 tablespoons of the salts to that same basin of tepid water and soaking for 20 minutes fights the same sources of infection. Epsom salts also are helpful with the reduction of pain and inflammation. Substituting hydrogen peroxide or alcohol for soaks is not beneficial because of the severe drying effect they have on the feet. Whether a person uses Betadine or Epsom salts, soaking the feet every night is not suggested, as the soaks have a way of drying out the feet, as stated by Diabetes Self Management.