Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infection

21 أغسطس Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infection

Posted at 08:46h in English by admin

Diabetic foot infections are complications that arise from diabetes and are frequently associated with bacterial or fungal infections. Effectively managing this condition and preventing the spread of infection is crucial, especially when initiating treatment promptly.

Neglecting treatment can lead to serious health complications. In the following article, Dr. Amir Malkawi, a vascular surgery consultant, will explain methods for treating diabetic foot infections.

Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infection

Several factors determine the appropriate treatment for diabetic foot infections, including the type of infection, frequency of previous infections, and severity. Here are some treatment methods recommended by Dr. Amir Malkawi:

Topical Treatments for Diabetic Foot Infection

Initially, the doctor cleans the infected area, removes ulcers, dead skin, and any foreign bodies, then applies topical preparations and wraps them with a dressing. Some of these preparations include:
Silver sulfadiazine cream.
Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) gel.
Iodine.

Antibiotic Therapy for Diabetic Foot Infections

Poor blood circulation to the foot complicates antibiotic delivery to the infection site, especially in advanced diabetic cases. This makes diabetic foot treatment challenging in many instances. Considerations for antibiotic therapy include:

Choosing the appropriate antibiotic based on the bacteria causing the infection and its severity.
Performing tests to select the most effective antibiotic if feasible.
Treating mild cases with oral antibiotics that do not require hospitalization, such as Clindamycin and Amoxicillin.
Severe cases necessitate hospitalization and intravenous antibiotic therapy.
Treatment duration for mild cases typically ranges from 7-14 days, whereas severe cases treated in hospitals may extend from 2-4 weeks.

Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infection with Antifungal Agents

Fungal infections can cause diabetic foot infections. Doctors may prescribe topical antifungal creams or oral medications for these cases.
They often use terbinafine as the first-line therapy in these situations.
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Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infection with Debridement

Debridement is a type of simple surgical procedure aimed at removing dead tissues around the diabetic foot infection site. Its purpose is to accelerate healing from the infection and prevent the development of serious health complications. Some cases may require multiple debridement procedures until complete infection eradication, alongside necessary medication prescriptions.

It’s worth noting that some cases of this condition may progress to osteomyelitis (infection of the bone and marrow). Doctors also use potent antibiotics in such cases.
Surgeons perform deeper debridement procedures to eliminate the infection thoroughly.
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Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infection with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

In some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may be employed as a treatment method, where the affected person breathes pure oxygen in a treatment chamber. It is believed that this can accelerate the healing process and aid in resolving diabetic foot infections and ulcers. However, there is debate regarding the effectiveness of this treatment.

Other Treatment Methods

Treatment also includes several other procedures, such as:

Surgical drainage of pus from the infection site and toe inflammation.
Regular wound cleansing.
Use of supportive foot wraps or bandages to expedite healing.
Revascularization, a surgical procedure aimed at improving blood flow in the foot when arteries in the area are blocked.
Control of blood sugar levels, which is crucial for healing. This involves adherence to the treatment plan prescribed by the doctor and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
These methods collectively contribute to managing and treating diabetic foot infections effectively.

References:

[1] – https://www.verywellhealth.com/diabetic-feet-5216003

[2] – https://www.verywellhealth.com/diabetes-and-foot-infection-6749880

[3] – https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/237378-treatment#d9

[4]-https://nyulangone.org/conditions/diabetic-foot-ulcers/treatments/surgery-for-diabetic-foot-ulcers

[5] – https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/237378-overview

[6]-https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-diabetic-foot-ulcers

[7] – https://www.premiermedicalhv.com/divisions/services/diabetic-foot-infections/