Of all the things diabetics have to worry about, infection is high on the list. Being diabetic, infection predisposition means that about 46% of diabetics have infections at least once that require hospitalization. The diabetic infection most common are skin and soft-tissue infection. Diabetic foot infection is a common problem and diabetics seem to have more antibiotic resistance than the general population.

 

Diabetic Toe Infection

 

Uncontrolled diabetes damages the nerves. The fact that so many people with diabetes don’t even know they have it makes diabetic infection of the of the toes especially difficult. The nerve damage causes a condition known as diabetic neuropathy, where you can’t feel pain or temperature extremes. When you don’t feel any pain, a small lesion in the toe can become infected because you don’t even realize there is a problem that needs treated.

Inspection of your toes and feet is an important routine to develop to avoid diabetic infection. In fact, diabetic foot infection treatment that is ignored often results in gangrene or other problems resulting in amputation. Every year, over 50,000 diabetic patients require amputations that might have been avoided with proper treatment earlier.

 

Diabetic Foot Infection Guidelines

 

Diabetic infection in the feet and toes can be avoided with some simple guidelines:

  • Examine your feet daily. Look for anything unusual – from small cuts to discoloration
  • Remove anything in your environment that may cause you to stub you toes or trip
  • Keep your toenails trimmed. And be sure to use the proper trimming implements.
  • Wear sturdy but comfortable shoes
  • If you smoke, you should quit for all the obvious reasons but also because smoking accelerates damage to the small blood vessels in the feet. This is a major risk factor leading to diabetic infection and to amputations. Diabetic skin infection of all kinds is less likely if you don’t smoke.

 

Take a look online at some diabetic foot infection pictures so you will know what to look for when inspecting your own feet.

 

Diabetic Wound Infection Prevention

 

Diabetics are at much more risk of diabetic infection from wounds. Diabetic foot ulcer infection is the most common wound type that develops infection. A foot ulcer is an open sore on the sole of the foot. About 15% of diabetics will develop these. The most important prevention method is blood sugar management. The second most important thing you can do is not to smoke. Finally, keep your feet dry.

You should avoid pedicures unless done by a medical professional. Too often, the corner salon doesn’t take enough sterilization precautions to prevent diabetic infection of the feet. This doesn’t mean that the salons are not following proper protocols. It’s just that diabetics require more care than the average customer, and most salons are not set up for this.

 

Diabetic Fungal Infection

 

People with diabetes are very prone to fungal infections. Any of the following conditions need to be treated immediately to prevent complications. For a diabetic, infection from these fungal conditions could literally develop into a life-threatening condition. For the general public, they are usually just an annoyance. Seek medical attention if you develop any of the following:

  • Athlete’s foot
  • Jock itch
  • Nail infection – foot or hand
  • Ringworm
  • Thrush

 

Pityriasis Versicolor – this is more common in individuals with oily skin. It causes dark-skinned people to develop light patches and light-skinned people to develop dark patches.