Diabetic foot infection

Diabetic foot infection
Gas gangrene due to diabetes
Symptoms	Pus from a wound, redness, swelling, pain, warmth
Complications	Infection of the bone, tissue death, sepsis, amputation
Causes	Diabetic foot ulcer
Diagnostic method	Based on symptoms
Differential diagnosis	Phlegmasia cerulea dolens, ischemic limb
Prevention	Appropriate shoes
Treatment	Wound care, antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Frequency	Common

Diabetic foot infection is any infection of the foot in a diabetic. Symptoms may include pus from a wound, redness, swelling, pain, or warmth. Foot ulcers; however, may occur without being infected. Complications can include infection of the bone, tissue death, amputation, or sepsis.

They most often form following a diabetic foot ulcer. Bacteria that are commonly involved include staphylococcus, streptococci, pseudomonas, and gram-negative bacteria. The underlying mechanism often involves poor blood flow and peripheral neuropathy. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and maybe supported by deep tissue culture.

Prevention includes wearing appropriate shoes. Treatment involves proper wound care and antibiotics. The duration of antibiotics is often two to four weeks. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may also help. They are common and occur equally frequently in males and females. Older people are more commonly affected.