Diabetes Foot Infections
Common Health Issues

Diabetes Foot Infections

Any time a break in the skin occurs, bacteria, fungi and other pathogens can enter and cause an infection. The foot is an especially rich source of bacteria and invading microorganisms, because your shoes provide them a perfect environment in which to live. Therefore, any time you notice a lesion, ulcer, cut or sore on your feet, you need to take prompt action to prevent infection. 

 

A foot ulcer feet is the most likely source of infection in the foot. When an ulcer becomes infected, microorganisms can eat through layers of skin and bone tissue to create a deep hole. When the infection spreads or become too deep, amputation may be needed.

 

DIABETES FOOT INFECTIONS SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of an infected ulcer include fever, redness, swelling, warmth around the wound and any sort of drainage or oozing of pus-like material.

 

DIABETES FOOT INFECTIONS RISK

An infected ulcer can eat away at your soft tissue and make its way into the bone. If the infection is deep, a part of the foot or even the entire foot or leg ma have to be removed to save your life.

What You Should Do

If you notice any signs of infection in a foot ulcer, notify your doctor or podiatrist right away. You need to be seen at once before the infection spreads further. You may notice signs of infections even if you don’t have an open sore or ulcer. If you notice any redness, swelling or oozing around your toenail, for example, or at the site of a cut or splinter, you also need to call your doctor right away.

 

DIABETES FOOT INFECTIONS TREATMENT

Your doctor will probably first culture material from the sight of infection. You will probably be treated with an antibiotic depending on what sort of organism is causing the infection. This could be an antibiotic or an antifungal agent that can be taken orally, one that is applied topically, or both.

 

Your doctor will also conduct blood tests to check your blood glucose level and white cell count. You may also be examined by X ray to make sure there is no sign of bone infection. If the infection is not severe, you will be treated on an outpatient basis, but you should be seen every 2 or 3 days for the first week or so. 

Most infections will show some improvements in a few days. If you have a soft-tissue infection, you will probably need to take antibiotics for 2 weeks. If the infection has reached the bone, you may need antibiotic therapy for 6 weeks or longer. Make sure to take the prescribed antibiotics for the entire time, even if you think it is getting better. If the infection gets worse, contact your doctor immediately. Signs of worsening infection include fever or an elevation in an existing fever, increased pain, redness, warmth or pus formation.

Besides antibiotics, your doctor takes other steps to encourage the healing of your infected ulcer. For an ulcer to heal, it has to be covered with a healthy layer of tissue, with no dead cells in the way. To ensure this, your doctor may perform a surgical debridement. This means all dead tissue will be removed from the wound. This needs to be done frequently as the wound is healing. Do not attempt to do this yourself.

 

Your doctor may give you instructions for dressing the wound. You may be given an antibiotic solution or ointment. After cleaning the site of infection, you can either apply the ointment directly or soak a piece of clean gauze in antibiotic solution and apply it to the wound. You will probably want to cover the wound with clean sterile gauze in between dressings.

Also make sure not to walk on your infected foot. If you need to get around, consider using a pair of crutches or even wheelchair. If you notice any swelling, keep your leg elevated.

 

While your infection is healing, it is important to keep your blood glucose levels under control. This may be a bit of a catch-22 situation. Infection can upset your blood glucose levels, but too much glucose in the blood can impair healing and promote infection. Therefore, test your blood glucose levels frequently and treat hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia if necessary. 

 

DIABETES FOOT INFECTIONS PREVENTION

To prevent ulcers or other areas of the foot from becoming infected, make sure to keep any open sore clean and dry. Your doctor may suggest treating any ulcer with antibiotic ointment or solution to prevent infection.

 

Make sure you avoid walking or further irritating the ulcer. Keep a close eye on the wound for any further changes in its appearance. Also, while your ulcer is healing, keep your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.

 

DIABETES NAIL INFECTIONS

The most common nail infection among people with diabetes is onychomycosis. This infection is caused by a fungus and most frequently affects the nail of the big toe. If you can tolerate the unsightly appearance of the toe, it may not seem that big of a deal. But if left untreated, a fungal toenail can lead to ulceration and infection of the toe itself, which can have serious consequences for someone with diabetes.

 

DIABETES NAIL INFECTIONS SYMPTOMS

The primary symptoms of onychomycosis is an unsightly toe. Your toenail may become thick, rough and yellow. Debris from the infection may collect under the top edge of the nail. After a while, the entire nail may become soft and crumbly and may even fall off

 

What You Should Do

Talk to your doctor or podiatrist if you notice any of the symptoms of onychomycosis. Before treating, your doctor will need to accurately diagnose the problem and identify the fungus responsible. This can be done by taking a sample of debris from the nail edge, examining it under a microscope, and culturing it.

 

DIABETES NAIL INFECTIONS TREATMENT

Fungal infection are traditionally difficult to cure. Your doctor may prescribe an oral medication such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox). However, these and some other antifungal drugs have side effects. Make sure to discuss these potential side effects with your doctor before taking any new medication. These drugs are newer and have a higher success rate than traditional therapies. You will probably have to take the drug for up to 12 weeks. Following this regimen, 80% of nails are successfully treated. However, the condition may reoccur, especially if you discontinue treatment early. Don’t be surprised if it takes your new toenail up to 2 years to grow out normally once the fungus has been destroyed.

 

 

DIABETES NAIL INFECTIONS PREVENTION

To prevent fungal infections, make sure you keep your feet clean and dry. Keep your toenails well trimmed and wear correctly fitted shoes. Visit your podiatrist regularly for a routine foot examination. Also, keep your blood glucose levels under control and eat a well-balanced diet.

 

Sources and References

The Diabetes Problem Solver—Quick Answers to Your Questions About Treatment and Self-Care by Nancy Touchette

Understanding Diabetic Foot Infection and its Management by Saba Noor, Rizwan Khan and Jamal Ahmad

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Nail Disorders by Uwe Wollina, Pietro Nenoff et al 

 

author

Rich Health Editorial Team

Health Research

Rich Health Editorial Team is made up of medical practitioners and experienced writers who provide information for dealing with health issues in a simple and easy-to-understand manner